Military

DATE=10/19/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-282012

TITLE= TALEBAN / ATTACKS (L)

BYLINE= JON TKACH

DATELINE= ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO:

The Taleban's ambassador to Pakistan says there is no change in the group's stance on Osama bin Laden, who Washington calls the prime suspect in terrorist

attacks against the United States. The latest refusal to hand over the Saudi exile and his al-Qaida network follows reports that a limited number of elite U-S troops are already on the ground in southern Afghanistan. V-O-A's Jon Tkach reports from Islamabad.

TEXT:

Mullah Abdul Salam Zaeef told reporters Friday the Taleban remains united to fight against the U-S led forces.

He had just returned from Afghanistan, where he says he held numerous meetings with Taleban leaders.

Speaking through his translator, he vehemently denied reports claiming so called "moderates" within the Taleban are looking to make a deal with the West.

/// ZAEEF TRANSLATOR ACT ///

There are no divisions among the Taleban. There is no such thing as moderate or broad-visioned Taleban. All Taleban are the same and one.

/// END ACT ///

Ambassador Zaeef says despite the continued bombardment of his country, the Taleban leadership will not hand over Osama bin Laden - he calls it an issue of the group's Islamic faith.

The official also denied reports that the Taleban's defenses have been destroyed after twelve days of bombing, though he does admit some military setbacks.

/// ZAEEF TRANSLATOR ACT ///

Of course we have had some casualties in the military, but our capabilities are strong.

/// END ACT ///

Ambassador Zaeef says Taleban authorities have not seen any evidence of U-S special forces in southern Afghanistan, despite reports quoting U-S defense officials as saying a limited number of elite U-S forces are on the ground there.

The reports follow comments by U-S Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, who told reporters Thursday that airstrikes alone will not be enough to flush out Osama bin Laden and his al Qaida terrorist Network.

Meanwhile, U-N officials say Afghan refugees are streaming across the border into neighboring Pakistan, fleeing the U-S led bombing. Officials say refugees are describing a serious lack of food and medicine in Afghanistan's main cities. (signed)

NEB/JON/RH