The new United Nations special envoy to Afghanistan, Francesc Vendrell, arrives in the capital, Kabul, later today 0400GMT for a one-day visit to meet the Taleban authorities.

Mr Vendrell is the seventh envoy in eleven years to try to bring peace to Afghanistan.

His predecessor, Lakhdar Brahimi, resigned last October, saying he was bitterly disappointed with the negative attitude of the warring factions.

Mr Vendrell said he wanted to consult all the parties to see if there had been any movement.

Before his arrival, the Taleban said it hoped the envoy would recognise them as the pre-eminent force in the country of which they control ninety per cent.

It said this was essential if he was to find a solution to the civil war. Mr Vendrell has yet to meet the Aghan opposition led by the former president, Burhanuddin Rabbani.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service