February 19, 2000

Taliban atrocities continue in the North of Afghanisan
News reaching Takhar have confirmed the mass murder of local of inhabitants in the towns of Sangchorak and Gusfandy of a province Saripul.

Afghan asylum seekers to move to Gatwick
LONDON, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Afghan asylum seekers who arrived on a hijacked airliner this month will be moved to Gatwick Airport, south of London, officials said on Friday.

Govt asked to convince Taliban for talks with opposition
ISLAMABAD (NNI): A prominent columnist and author of a recently published book on Taliban Ahmed Rashid Friday advised the government to press Taliban militia for holding talks with opposition.

Taliban exporting extremism, alleges speaker - F.P. Bureau Report
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan should frame a comprehensive policy for the settlement and reconstruction of Afghanistan issue in a broad-based manner.

OIC holds talks with Tajik, Uzbek FMs on Afghanistan
TEHRAN (NNI) __ The delegation of Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) on Afghanistan has met with Tajik and Uzbek foreign ministers, reports Radio Tehran.

Official Warns on Clinton-Pakistan
By BARRY SCHWEID
.c The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - Tensions between Pakistan and India could be aggravated if President Clinton bypasses Pakistan during his visit to South Asia next month, Pakistani Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi said Friday.

Pakistan to export 112,200 tons rice to Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD (NNI): Pakistan will export 112,200 tons rice to Afghanistan during the current financial year, 1999-2000, and earn $33.302 million foreign exchange, officials in the Export Promotion Bureau said on Friday.

Press excerpts from paki media:
2/19 - DAWN (commentary) - Following an exclusive interview with Pakistan's chief executive, General Pervez Musharraf, Victoria Schofield assesses his position four months after he assumed power.