DATE=10/16/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=TALEBAN / BIN LADEN / L
NUMBER=2-255105
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO:  Afghanistan's Taleban movement has rejected a 
United Nations demand to hand over suspected terrorist 
Osama bin Laden for trial.  As Correspondent Scott 
Anger reports, the Taleban have proposed a group of 
Islamic scholars give them advice on a solution.

TEXT:   A spokesman for the office of Taleban Supreme 
Leader Mullah Mohammed Omar told the Pakistan-based 
Afghan Islamic Press, Osama bin Laden is an Islamic 
issue.  The Taleban say the only way to resolve the 
situation is through a unanimous decision by Islamic 
scholars from three countries -- Afghanistan, Saudi 
Arabia and a third country. 

Mr. bin Laden is wanted by the United States for 
masterminding the bombings of two U-S embassies in 
Africa, which killed more than 220 people in August 
1998.  

Taleban leaders say they want proof of Mr. bin Laden's 
involvement in the bombings before turning him over.  
They consider him a guest in Afghanistan and --  
according to Afghan tradition -- he must be sheltered 
and protected.

Friday, the United Nations agreed to issue limited 
sanctions against Afghanistan if the suspected 
terrorist is not handed over to either the United 
States or another country with jurisdiction in the 
embassy bombings by November 14th.

The Taleban says the U-N resolution is unjust and a 
cruel decision made under pressure from the United 
States.   The United States has indicted Mr. bin Laden 
for the Africa bombings and has sought to impose 
immediate sanctions on the Taleban.  But U-S officials 
say they  agree to a one-month grace period to ensure 
unanimous support for the U-N resolution.

In August, the United States froze the U-S bank 
accounts of Afghanistan's national airline, Ariana and  
stopped all trade and investments with Afghanistan.  
(SIGNED)

NEB/SA / wd



16-Oct-1999 05:03 AM EDT (16-Oct-1999 0903 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.