Taliban threats resented

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, SEPT. 17. The Taliban Ambassador in Pakistan, Mullah Abdul Saleem Zaeef, has said that if Pakistan were to provide any logistical support to the U.S. in possible strikes against Afghanistan, the Taliban would deem it an unfriendly act and act accordingly. His remarks have provoked an angry reaction from the Pakistan Foreign Minister, Mr. Abdul Sattar. In an interview to the CNN the Minister has said that Islamabad has taken `very serious note' of these threats.

Mr. Sattar also told the TV channel that ``we are terribly saddened that a Government and country that we have regarded always as a neighbour and friend should use such language against Pakistan''.

The Minister said that a high-level delegation from the U.S. would shortly visit Pakistan to discuss American plans to deal with terrorism and to the extent with which Pakistan could be a `partner' in the fight. He said that Pakistan would not join any `joint military force' against Afghanistan. In a press conference two days back he had said that Pakistan did not want to get involved in any fight outside its border.

Protests planned

Meanwhile pro-Taliban religious parties in Pakistan today warned the U.S. against any retaliatory attacks on Afghanistan, and threatened nation-wide protests condemning the Musharraf regime's support to Washington's moves.

They met in Lahore under the aegis of the Council for Defence of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Council was formed just after the U.N. had slapped the second round of sanctions against the Taliban for sheltering Osama.

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