BBC News Online: World: South Asia

Taleban appeal to UN over sanctions

The ruling Taleban authorities in Afghanistan have appealed to the United Nations Security Council not to impose harsher sanctions on the country.

The United States and Russia asked Council members earlier this week to consider such a move to counter what they regard as the growing threat of terrorist activity originating from Afghanistan.

A Taleban statement warned of a human catastrophe if new restrictions were introduced, especially as the Afghan people were already suffering from a severe drought.

The Taleban are currently subject to aviation and financial sanctions over their refusal to hand over the Saudi exile Osama bin Laden accused by the United States of masterminding bombings of US embassies in Africa two years ago.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service