Military

DATE=10/08/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N-ANNAN-AFGHANISTAN (L-O)

NUMBER=2-281537

BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

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INTRO: U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan says the British and U-S military action in Afghanistan is being carried out in the context of the U-N charter. Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United Nations.

TEXT: In a recorded statement, Mr. Annan said the military action is self-defense in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations charter. He said that to defeat terrorism, "we need a broad strategy that unites all nations."

As he has many times, the Secretary-General drew attention to the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

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The people of Afghanistan who can not be held responsible for the acts of the Taleban regime are now in desperate need of aid. The United Nations has long played a vital role in providing humanitarian assistance to them and it is my hope that we will be able to step up our humanitarian work as soon as possible.

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Mr. Annan said it is also vital for the international community to work harder than ever to encourage a political settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan. He said the United Nations remains actively engaged in promoting the creation of a "fully representative, multi-ethnic and broad-based Afghan government."

In his statement, Mr. Annan did not directly address speculation that the United Nations might set up a transitional government in Afghanistan if the Taleban regime should fall. (SIGNED)

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