August 24, 2000

U.N. worried extremists using Afghanistan as base
By Anthony Goodman
UNITED NATIONS, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Security Council members issued a new call on Wednesday for an end to fighting in civil war-torn Afghanistan and said extremists may be using it as a base to destabilise other states in the region.

Fierce fighting raging around Taloqan city
Islamabad, Aug. 23 (IRNA) -- Both Taliban and Northern Alliance sources on Wednesday confirmed to IRNA that fierce fighting was raging around Taloqan city of Takhar province in northern Afghanistan.

Taliban reshuffle administration
Islamabad, Aug 23 (IRNA) -- Taliban on Wednesday again made changes in its administration, reshuffling several high officials in their central set-up.

Pakistan for 'open-minded approach' on Afghanistan
Islamabad, Aug. 23, IRNA -- Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States briefed the new commander of the U.S. Central Command, General Tommy R. Franks on Afghanistan affairs, media reprots in Islamabad revealed.

Six killed in Tajik clash
Russian frontier guards are reported to have killed several people trying to cross from Afghanistan into Tajikistan.

Russian guard killed in Tajik-Afghan border clash
DUSHANBE, Aug 24 (Reuters) - A Russian guard patrolling the Tajik-Afghan border has been killed in a clash with a group of people illegally crossing into the former Soviet state, a spokesman for the border guards said on Thursday.

Uzbek army combs hills near Tashkent for rebels
By Shamil Baigin
GAZALKENT, Uzbekistan (Reuters) - Uzbek soldiers combed hills near a vacation resort Wednesday for Islamist rebels who entered the country last weekend and have advanced to within about 60 miles of the capital Tashkent

Letter by Afghan UN Ambassador to President of International Olympic Comittee
Dear Mr. Samaranch,
It is with deepest regret that I have learned from press reports that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has invited Afghanistan's Taliban to send two observers to the Sydney Olympic Games. If reported true