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Karzai to seek Arab aid for reconstruction

By Atul Aneja

MANAMA (BAHRAIN) SEPT. 27. The Afghanistan President, Hamid Karzai, has begun a visit to key Persian Gulf countries where he is likely to seek economic support for his war-torn nation and discuss extradition of a large number of Arabs that are now in Afghan custody.

Several Arabs, mainly from Saudi Arabia, who were once sheltered by the Taliban regime, are now in Afghanistan jails.

Their extradition is likely to be one of the main issues of discussion during Mr. Karzai's stay in Saudi Arabia.

Apart from Riyadh, Mr. Karzai will also visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Qatar is yet to reopen its embassy in Kabul, while the UAE will play a key role in galvanising trade between Afghanistan and the rest of the region. Saudi Arabia was one among three nations that had recognised the Taliban regime.

It had subsequently distanced itself from it but dozens of people from the Kingdom who had joined Al-Qaeda are in captivity in Afghanistan.

Saudi Arabia is now one of the major donors of aid to the post-Taliban dispensation in Afghanistan and Saudi foundations have been sending truck-loads of humanitarian supplies to that country.

Riyadh has also committed $50 millions to fund a $250-million highway construction project in Afghanistan.

Prior to his departure for the Kingdom, Afghan officials reportedly said that Mr. Karzai's Government was willing to extradite Saudi and other foreign nationals.

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