Military

DATE=09/17/2001

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-280617

TITLE=PAKISTAN / TALEBAN / ATTACKS (S)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICE AT:

INTRO: A high-level delegation from Pakistan has arrived in Afghanistan for talks with the ruling Taleban movement, which is sheltering Osama bin Laden --

the prime suspect in last week's terror attacks on U-S cities. From Islamabad, Ayaz Gul reports.

TEXT: A Pakistan-based Afghan news agency (Afghan Islamic Press) says

the delegation went immediately into a meeting with Taleban Foreign

Minister Wakil Ahmad Mutawakil, in the southern Afghan city, Kandahar.

It says the mission will also meet reclusive Taleban leader Mullah

Mohammad Omar, later in the day, to try to persuade him to hand over Osama bin Laden for his role in the devastating attacks on U-S cities.

Monday's diplomatic mission is believed to be Pakistan's last-ditch

appeal to the Taleban to avoid a possible U-S retaliation against their

country. President Bush has named Saudi dissident bin Laden as a prime suspect in

the terror strikes. He has promised a "comprehensive" assault on

terrorism, including punishing those nations sheltering terrorists.

Pakistan has agreed to cooperate with the United States in responding to

the attacks. An American team is due in Islamabad to discuss the issue.

(SIGNED)

NEB/AG/WD