Russian DM warns of Taliban comeback

[ChrisD(RJ)]

08.02.2003 14:52:02 
Ivanov warns of Taliban comeback
MUNICH. Feb 8 (Interfax) - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov does not
rule out that the Taliban could return to power in Afghanistan. 
"Irreversible conditions to the Taliban's return to power have not been set
up," Ivanov pointed out at an international conference on eradicating
cross-border terrorism. 
"At present, Hamid Karzai's administration is not exerting the necessary
influence in the provinces. Preparations for new terrorist attacks against
the Afghan leadership are underway. Those who will execute these missions
are readying themselves abroad," he said. 
"Coordinated international efforts are necessary to counter all forms of
Islamic extremism," he said. 
"The situation in Pakistan's northwestern province that neighbors
Afghanistan triggers particular concern because of the strong position the
Taliban holds there," he said.