Military

DATE=12/12/2001

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-284210

TITLE= PAK / AFGHAN / U-N (L-O)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The U-N special envoy for Afghanistan, Lakhdar Brahimi, has met

with leaders in Pakistan to discuss international efforts aimed at bringing

peace to Afghanistan. From Islamabad, Ayaz Gul reports.

TEXT: U-N spokesman Ahmad Fawzi told reporters (Wednesday) the meeting between Mr. Brahimi and the Pakistani leader was "friendly" and "cordial". He said General Pervez Musharraf reiterated his support for U-N efforts to bring

peace to neighboring Afghanistan.

The United Nations envoy arrived in Islamabad from Kabul, where he met

Afghan leaders to discuss the transfer of power to a post-Taleban

administration on December 22.

Mr. Fawzi says a proposed multinational security force to support the new

Afghan government was high on agenda in Mr. Brahimi's talks in Kabul.

///FAWZI ACT///

Security is of paramount importance for the success and for the efficient

transfer of power and for the efficient and effective work of the new

administration.

///END ACT///

Mr. Fawzi said the U-N Security Council would take a final decision on the

multinational force in next few days but it would not be a traditional U-N

peacekeeping force. He said Afghan leaders are questioning the introduction

of such a security force in the country but they are not against it.

///FAWZI ACT///

The force that will go in when it is deployed, such a force will be a

friendly force going in to assist the people of Afghanistan (and) maintain

security. Nothing is being imposed upon the Afghans. It is going to be done

in full cooperation and collaboration with the Afghan administration of the

day.

///END ACT///

Mr. Fawzi says all the Afghan leaders that Mr. Brahimi met in Kabul on

Tuesday as he puts - understand the need for the security forced.

///OPT///

The spokesman says that ethnic Uzbek Afghan leader General Rashid Dostum

has promised not to hinder the interim government. In a letter to

the U-N special envoy, Mr. Dostum said that regardless of his group's

dissatisfaction with its position in the interim administration, it would

continue supporting the U-N efforts to bring peace and order to Afghanistan.

(SIGNED)

NEB/ag/KBK