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US to continue with curbs against the Taliban

United States President Bill Clinton has renewed sanctions against Afghanistan's Taliban for its refusal to hand over Saudi terrorist Osama bin Laden and harbouring other terrorists who pose a threat to country's security.

"The Taliban continues to allow territory under its control in Afghanistan to be used as a safe haven and base of operations for Osama bin Laden and the Al-qaida organisation, who have committed and threaten to continue to commit acts of violence against the United States and its nationals," Clinton said in a notification to Congress on Friday. Thus, the emergency declared with respect to the Taliban would continue to be in effect beyond July 5, 2000, he said.

Clinton's order extends a national emergency declaration issued last July 4, under which property and other transactions with the Taliban were prohibited. The order must be renewed annually.

The Taliban have refused to hand over bin Laden, saying he is a guest and fellow Muslim. They have, however, assured that bin Laden would not be allowed to carry out terrorist activities from Afghan soil.

The Taliban's writ runs in over 90 per cent of Afghanistan, including Kabul. Northern-based opposition forces control the remainder of the country.

PTI

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