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UN aid for Afghan refugees
Thousands of refugees fled fighting in the summer |
The United Nations in Afghanistan has sent a team to try to establish a safe corridor for aid shipments to tens of thousands of refugees sheltering in opposition-held territory.
The refugees fled to the Panjshir Valley to escape fighting between the opposition Northern Alliance and the Taleban authorities in Kabul.
A UN security team is examining the safety of a 100 km road leading north from Kabul towards opposition-controlled areas in the valley, where many of the refugees are living.
The UN has to negotiate a safe corridor across a front line littered with mines and unexploded ordnance.
Opposition agreement
It has already secured an agreement in principle from the opposition Northern Alliance and the Taleban authorities in Kabul. Now the details of the operation have to be worked out.
The UN has held negotiations at a senior level with both parties and says they were positive. It also helped to set up a tripartite commission involving the UN, Taleban and opposition.
The BBC's Kate Clark in Kabul says the commission will make decisions on the aid operation, but it is unclear when it will be given the final go-ahead.
One step at a time
The acting head of the UN in Kabul, Raz Mohammed, said they were taking everything a step at a time, making sure each detail was right.
At the same time, he said, they were aware of the urgency. Winters in the Panjshir Valley are harsh and snow has come early this year. The UN wants to reach the refugees there as soon as possible.
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See also: |
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16 Nov 99 | Middle East |
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Iraqi refugees 'return home' |
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27 Aug 99 | South Asia |
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Afghan refugees accuse Taleban |
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15 Aug 99 | South Asia |
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UN concern for Afghan civilians |
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09 Aug 99 | South Asia |
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Afghan refugees face uncertain future |
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