Monitoring Policy Making at the United Nations |
| ||||||||||||
Security Council Taliban Warns US of God's Vengeance
Sanctions on Afghanistan Would Spur 'Surprises'
By Kathy Gannon
Associated Press
November 10, 1999
Islamabad (Pakistan) - The leader of Afghanistan's Taliban army warned the United States on Tuesday that sanctions against Afghanistan would bring consequences from "God Almighty." Mullah Mohammed Omar, warned of surprises if a UN resolution calling for the US-endorsed sanctions is carried out. The United Nations is considering sanctions because Afghanistan refuses to hand over suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden. The letter by Omar to the "people of the United States" did not elaborate on the type of action Afghanistan would take. It did say that earthquakes and floods would strike the United States if sanctions are imposed.
Afghanistan must hand over bin Laden by Sunday or face economic sanctions. The United States has alleged that bin Laden masterminded attacks last year on two US embassies in east Africa. He has been placed on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted List, and the US administration has offered a $5-million reward for information leading to his arrest. President Bill Clinton's administration said it is taking Omar's threat seriously.
Last week, bin Laden offered to leave Afghanistan to a secret destination known only to him and Omar. But the United States and United Nations rejected the offer, saying the only way to satisfy the UN resolution and avoid sanctions is to hand over bin Laden.
For security reasons, for the last year, neither the United States nor Britain has allowed citizens working for the United Nations to travel to Afghanistan.
More Information on Afghanistan Sanctions
