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MR.
MUTAWAKEL: (Fed in progress) -- the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has
already explicitly said its standpoint or its position about terrorism. We
have criticized all forms of criticism (sic) as Afghanistan has itself faced and
has become the victim of terrorism and we even now criticize these kind of acts.
Terrorism is terrifying and hateful -- a hatred or hateful (matter ?). And
this incident is -- from the humanitarian point of view surely -- (inaudible) --
and very terrifying incident.
Any
questions?
Have
you received any kind of information, any kind of communication from the United
States or any other?
MR.
MUTAWAKEL: No contact up till now. They might be busy or they --
surely they are busy in the rescue operation. So there needs condolence,
but up to now, no communications from them.
Does
the Taliban categorically condemn these attacks on the United States?
MR.
MUTAWAKEL: Our policy was very clear from the very beginning and we have
criticized and even now we criticize terrorism (in all its forms ?).
Can
you rule out any involvement by Osama bin Laden?
MR.
MUTAWAKEL: No, up to now, no one has blamed or accused him formally.
The
Taliban have said that they will maintain Mr. bin Laden without communication,
unable to communicate. Can you be convinced at this time that your policy
of keeping him without communication has been effective in the recent months?
MR.
MUTAWAKEL: No change in our policy in this regard.
Do
you think the policy is working?
MR.
MUTAWAKEL: Naturally.
Suspicions
obviously turn to Osama bin Laden. In the media he's been mentioned as
possibly having a hand in this. Are you concerned that Afghanistan could be on
the receiving end of recrimination, reprisals for the attacks?
MR.
MUTAWAKEL: I think that even if someone has taken his name in the media,
it might be just because his name was repeatedly mentioned in the past in the
comments; just his name might have been
repeated.
The
second half of the question, that are you concerned that Afghanistan could
receive reprise attacks?
MR.
MUTAWAKEL: We don't see or foresee any difficulty in this >regard
because there is no argument or no reason for it.
If
it were to happen, if there were to be attacks, what would the implications be
of such a situation?
INTERPRETER:
If there were?
As
Jonathan said, if there were to be reprisals against Afghanistan, what would the
implications of that be?
MR.
MUTAWAKEL: It is a little bit early to say at this stage, but as we said,
that we criticize all forms of criticism (sic), so if Afghanistan is attacked,
then we can call it state terrorism.
There's
also been concerns expressed about Arab mercenary fighters in Afghanistan, and
allegations that there may be an Arab connection to these acts of terrorism have
also been made. Can you talk to -- can you rule out any Arab links?
MR.
MUTAWAKEL: It is a very big and enormous incident, so just to connect it
with some people that -- one's logic cannot even accept it, so in my opinion, it
might not be (justified ?).
Mr.
Mutawakel, are you surprised that the United States has received this sort of
attack?
MR.
MUTAWAKEL: Naturally, because this might be the only and unique kind of
incident in the history of the United States. So like anyone it also -- (inaudible).
What
I'm getting at is, is the United -- do you think the United States has perhaps
invited this, given its policies around the world and the growing resentment
that some forces feel towards the United States?
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