U.S. rejects Taliban reasoning

WASHINGTON, MARCH 20. The U.S. has dismissed as ``self-serving'' and ``inaccurate'' Taliban's reasoning to justify destruction of the ancient Buddha statues in Afghanistan.

``These (justifications) are inaccurate and quite self-serving,'' the State Department spokesman, Mr. Richard Boucher, said reacting to the Taliban special envoy, Syed Rahmatullah's statement that the militia acted in anger when a UNESCO team instead of offering aid for starving Afghans offered money to save the statues. Mr. Boucher said the ongoing assistance from Western donors had been provided to displaced and impoverished Afghans for years.

Mr. Rahmatullah on Monday presented a letter addressed to the U.S. President, Mr. George Bush, calling for improved relations and continued dialogue between the two countries.

- PTI

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Section  : International
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