Taliban seek exclusion of US, Russia from UN body on Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD (NNI): Taliban Monday called for the exclusion of the United States and Russia from the UN group on Afghanistan and inclusion of Afghanistan in the 8-member body.

Afghan Foreign Minister Maulvi Wakil Ahmed Mutawakil told a news conference that the "six-plus-two" group should be called "six-plus-one" with the participation of Afghanistan.

The six-plus-two group comprises Afghanistans neighbouring states Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and China, and the United States and Russia.

"The group should be changed into six-plus-one rather than six-plus-two and Afghanistan should be included instead of the twothe United States and Russia," Mutawakil said.

Renewing support for Chechans, the Taliban Foreign Minister said, "It is obligation of the world community, especially the Muslim world to support Chechan Muslims who are fighting for their rights". He defended his governments decision to recognize the breakaway Russian republic of Chechnya as a country.

Asked whether Taliban will extend material support to Chechan fighters, Mutawakil said, "we are extending only diplomatic support to Chechans" adding that further cooperation between the two sides will be discussed through diplomatic channels.

He said Chechan President Aslan Maskhadov will nominate ambassador for Afghanistan after the parliament approval. He confirmed reports of opening of embassy by Chechnya in the Afghan capital on Sunday.

Rejecting accusations of Taliban support to terrorism, the Afghan Foreign Minister said there should be difference between terrorism and "Jehad" (holy war). He said Taliban support jehad but condemn terrorism.

On the issue of Saudi exiled Osama bin Laden, he said Taliban authorities have restricted Osamas movement and withdrew his all communication facilities. He said Pakistan has not asked Taliban to expel Osama from Afghanistan.

He said Taliban are not opposed to women education but the education could not be started because of lack of resources. Taliban respect human rights and are following international laws in this regard, he claimed.

Mutawakil said Taliban government is pursuing independent foreign policy, based on non-interference in others internal affairs. "We are not confronting with other religions and civilizations".

Replying to a question about the appointment of new UN Secretary Generals envoy for Afghanistan, he said, Taliban will see as whether he will bring new proposals for solution to Afghan conflict.

To another question about the whereabouts of the hijackers of the Indian Airlines plane, he said, "They are not in Afghanistan and we do not know their whereabouts". He said Taliban had asked them to leave Afghanistan within ten hours after they released the hostages following a deal with the Indian officials. He said Taliban condemn all such actions, aimed at harassing innocent people.

Asked about reports that Maulana Masood Azhar, who was freed by India on the hijackers demand, has gone to Afghanistan, the Taliban Foreign Minister said Maulana Masood has not gone to Afghanistan as he has not received Afghanistans visa. He said he will be granted visa if he applied in accordance with the normal procedure.

Replying to a question about the reopening of Iran-Afghan border, Mutawakil said reopening of border is the interest of both the countries.

To a question about Kashmir issue, the Taliban minister said the situation in occupied Kashmir hurts everyone, calling for solution to the problem under UN resolution.

Asked about reports that he will be holding meeting with Iranian officials in Islamabad, he said, "We were expecting an Iranian team in Islamabad. But unfortunately they are not coming".

He said an Iranian team is currently in Kabul to see building of the closed Iranian embassy in the Afghan capital and several consulates in other cities. The team, he said, is not competent to hold political talks. He said Taliban have no problem in establishing ties with Iran.

He said head of the Taliban interim council Mulla Mohammad Rabbani will soon visit Pakistan for talks on host of key issues. However, he did not mention any dates for Rabbanis trip.