Pubdate: Thu, 19 Jul 2001
Source: Times of Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan)
Copyright: 2001 The Times of Central Asia
Section: Afghanistan
Contact:  http://www.times.kg/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1202

TALIBAN SINCERE IN ROOTING OUT NARCOTICS

KABUL - The Afghan government led by Taliban says it is sincere in its 
effort to eliminate narcotics and would continue endeavours in this 
regard.This was stated by the Chairman of the Anti-Narcotics Commission, 
Mulla Abdul Hameed Akhundzadah while talking to a number of journalists 
from Italy, France and Yugoslavia.

He said, for the sake of implementing its Islamic principles and 
international pledges, the Taliban administration has totally banned poppy 
cultivation to rid Afghanistan and the world of the menace of narcotics.

He said the Afghan government has shown to the world that it was standing 
by its pledges.

However, he added, some vested interest countries were still unleashing 
negative propagandize get a seat at the table nor have the current 
sanctions lifted.

He asked the world community to extend to help to those Afghan farmers who 
have given up poppy cultivation.
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MAP posted-by: Beth