March 26, 2000

Afghan ``Lion of Herat'' escapes Taleban custod
KABUL, March 26 (Reuters) - Afghanistan's ruling Taleban movement on Sunday said that Ismail Khan, a top opposition commander know as the ``Lion of Herat,'' had escaped after three years in its captivity.

Tuberculosis spreading in Afghanistan killing thousands: experts
KABUL, March 25 (AFP) - The protracted Afghan conflict has helped spread tuberculosis in this impoverished country, killing between 22,000 and 33,000 people every year, health officials said Saturday, marking World Tuberculosis Day.

Pakistan ready to engage Taliban on terrorism: Musharraf
ISLAMABAD (NNI): Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf Saturday assured US President Bill Clinton that Pakistan is prepared to engage Taliban on the issue of terrorism including the activities of Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden.

Talks with Clinton: Pakistan's military ruler remained committed to his position on all issues
ASIF FAROOQI - Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD (March 26) : United States President Bill Clinton failed to get any assurances whatsoever from Chief Executive General Musharraf on the major issues forming part of the agenda of his Pakistan visit which included restoration of democracy,

Text of President Bill Clintons speech
ISLAMABAD (NNI): Following is the complete text of US President Bill Clintons address to the Pakistani nation over television and radio networks on Saturday.

ANALYSIS-US wants Pakistan pledges turned to deeds
By Andrew Hill
ISLAMABAD, March 26 (Reuters) - Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, faces the most testing period of his six-month rule after President Clinton told him to make good on

Iran president warns terrorism could destroy nation "like termites"
TEHRAN, March 26 (AFP) - President Mohammad Khatami warned Sunday that terrorism could destroy Iranian society "like termites" and called for swift justice against the authors of an assassination attempt on a close ally.