Military

DATE=09/17/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-280636

TITLE=PAKISTAN / TALEBAN / ATTACKS (S-UPDATE)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

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VOICE AT:

INTRO: A high-level delegation from Pakistan has ended its discussions with

Taleban authorities in Afghanistan, which were aimed at pressing the Islamic Taleban to hand over suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden for his role in the attacks on the United States. From Islamabad, Ayaz Gul reports news about the outcome is sketchy.

TEXT: Monday's diplomatic mission was believed to be Pakistan's last-ditch appeal to the Taleban to expel Saudi fugitive bin Laden, and thereby avoid a possible U-S retaliation on Afghanistan.

An Afghan news agency (Afghan Islamic Press) says the delegation held three-hour long talks with Taleban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar at his headquarters in Kandahar. A Taleban spokesman is quoted as saying the two sides "exchanged views" on the situation emerging from the attacks on U-S cities. He says the discussions were positive, but refused to elaborate.

The Taleban is sheltering Osama bin Laden, saying he is innocent of the terrorism charges.

Washington has named him as a prime suspect in last week's strikes on U-S cities. President Bush has promised a "comprehensive" assault on terrorism, including punishing those harboring terrorists.

Pakistan has agreed to cooperate with the United States in responding to the terror attacks. On Monday, it sealed its borders with Afghanistan without giving any reasons. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/MAR