Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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Afghanistan's Taleban Rejects Government Amnesty 
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=B13AEA:2AB91D3

Statement faxed to news agencies says Taleban is not ready for any
dialogue with US-backed Kabul government as along as foreign soldiers
remain in Afghanistan A statement purportedly from Afghanistan's
Taleban leader Mullah Omar has dismissed reports that the radical
Islamic movement's fighters were willing to lay down arms in exchange
for amnesty.

The statement faxed to news agencies Thursday said the Taleban is not
ready for any dialogue with the U.S. backed Kabul government as along
as foreign soldiers remain in Afghanistan.

Last month, the Afghan government indicated it is considering an
amnesty to Taleban fighters in return for their pledge to lay down
their arms and return to normal life.

And, this week, the U.S. military in Afghanistan released about 80
Afghan detainees held in military jails.

Mullah Omar has evaded a manhunt since the Taleban was ousted from
power in late 2001 by U.S.-led forces.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.


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