Military

DATE=09/18/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-280673

TITLE=TALEBAN /U-S ATTACKS (S)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICE AT:

INTRO: A meeting of Taleban Islamic clerics deciding the fate of "guest" Osama bin Laden has been postponed for at least one day. President Bush said Monday the Saudi

dissident is "wanted, dead or alive" by the United States for terror attacks on its cities. From neighboring Pakistan, Ayaz Gul reports.

TEXT: A Taleban spokesman is quoted as saying the meeting of Islamic

clerics from across Afghanistan will be held Wednesday to formulate a response to what officials in Kabul say are threats of an assault on their country for terror attacks against U-S cities. A spokesman says the council is expected

to make a final decision about whether to hand over Osama bin Laden to the United States or to a third, neutral country.

Meanwhile, a diplomatic mission from neighboring Pakistan is in Kabul to

try to persuade the Taleban to surrender the Saudi fugitive for his role

in the terror attacks. A Taleban official says delegation held "positive" talks with authorities on Tuesday. He refused to give further details.

Taleban leaders have urged Afghans to prepare for a "holy war," or "jihad," in case of an attack on the country. But they say the authority to declare the war rests with the council of Islamic clerics. The Taleban has vowed to protect Osama bin Laden, saying he is innocent of terrorism charges. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/WD