DATE=5/10/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=AFGHAN / BIN LADEN (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262183
BYLINE=SCOTT ANGER
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Afghanistan's Taleban movement has again denied 
charges by the United States that it is harboring 
terrorists in Afghanistan.  As Correspondent Scott 
Anger reports, a spokesman for the Taleban says 
international recognition of the hard-line Islamic 
movement will help resolve a number of issues it has 
with the United States, including the stalemate over 
accused terrorist Osama bin Laden.

TEXT:  Relations between the Taleban and the world 
community have been at odds because the hard-line 
Islamic group refuses to hand over suspected terrorist 
Osama bin Laden for trial.  Mr. bin Laden is wanted by 
the United States for his role in the 1998 bombings of 
two U-S embassies in Africa.

The issue has blocked the Taleban efforts to win 
international recognition for its rule of 90-percent 
of Afghanistan.  Only three countries, Pakistan, Saudi 
Arabia, and United Arab Emirates, have recognized the 
group as the legitimate rulers of the country.  The 
United Nations recognizes the government the Taleban 
ousted from power in 1996. 

Taleban spokesman Abdul Hakim Mujahid says 
international recognition for the hard-line movement 
in Afghanistan, is key to solving differences it has 
with the world community on issues such as human 
rights and terrorism.  He says if the Taleban is 
recognized, it would be bound by the U-N charter and 
would have a responsibility not to support terrorism.

            /// MUJAHID ACT ///

I think a good solution for all of the problems in 
Afghanistan, with the world community, is for the 
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan be recognized.  If this 
government is recognized by the world community and 
put in the charter of the United Nations, it will be 
easy to solve all the problems, including the problem 
of Osama bin Laden.

            /// END ACT ///

The Taleban denies supporting terrorism and reject U-S 
allegations that it is harboring terrorists.  It says 
the United States has failed to provide sufficient 
evidence of Mr. bin Laden's involvement in the Africa 
bombings.  The Taleban says the Saudi dissident is a 
guest and therefore - according to Afghan traditions - 
cannot be expelled.

In addition, international human-rights groups have 
been critical of the strict laws the Taleban has 
imposed in the areas of the country under its control.  
Laws bar women from working outside the home and 
restrict girls from attending schools.  Taleban rules 
have also forced women to follow the Afghan tradition 
of wearing a head-to-toe covering called a burqa.  Men 
have been forced to grow and maintain beards.

The Taleban say the strict laws are temporary, due to 
the ongoing civil war in Afghanistan.  It says once 
the war ends and the security situation improves, the 
harsh restrictions against women will be lifted.   
(SIGNED)

NEB/SA/LTD/RAE




10-May-2000 09:02 AM EDT (10-May-2000 1302 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.