Russia to give more arms to Northern Alliance

By Vladimir Radyuhin

MOSCOW, OCT. 18. Russia is stepping up its arms supplies to the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan amid reports that the U.S. is trying to slow down the advance of the anti-Taliban forces to Kabul.

The Russian Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Anatoly Kvashnin, discussed ``increasing military supplies to the Northern Alliance'' with its military commander, Gen. Mohammad Qassim, and the Afghan opposition's Foreign Minister, Mr. Abdullah Abdullah, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on Thursday, the Itar-Tass news agency said, quoting informed sources.

Earlier, Russia pledged to send arms worth $45 millions to the Northern Alliance. These include vintage

T-55 and T-62 tanks, 80 armoured vehicles, combat helicopters, and other weapons.

The meeting followed reports that the offensive against the Taliban was making little progress as Americans refused to lend air support to the Northern Alliance in an effort to slow down its advance towards Kabul and that it was trying to strike a deal with a moderate section of the Taliban.

Immediately after talks with the Russian chief of staff, the Afghan opposition leaders left for Teheran for talks with Iran's leaders. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister, Mr. Kamola Kharrazi, is expected in Dushanbe on Friday.

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Section  : International
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