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. -News for Fri. 26 April & Sat. 27 April 2002


Rumsfeld Holds Security Talks in Western Afghanistan


VOA News
27 Apr 2002 19:12 UTC
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<b>Donald Rumsfeld talks to US troops in Afghanistan </b>
Donald Rumsfeld talks to US troops in Afghanistan 
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has met with officials in western Afghanistan to discuss regional security concerns.

 The Pentagon chief met briefly on Saturday with Ismail Khan, the governor of Herat province in a closed-door session. Mr. Rumsfeld's spokeswoman, Victoria Clarke, told reporters the secretary wanted to speak with Mr. Khan because of his importance to the future of Afghanistan. She said the two leaders also spoke about U.S. plans to help train a new national army for the war-torn country.
 
 

<b>Donald Rumsfeld talks with troops at Bagram Air Force base in Afghanistan</b>
Donald Rumsfeld talks with troops at Bagram Air Force base in Afghanistan
The Associated Press quotes the spokesperson as saying Mr. Khan told the defense secretary he favored a national army and was optimistic about its chances for success. The proposal was announced earlier at a joint news conference with Afghan interim leader Hamid Karzai in Kabul.

 The Bush administration has accused Iran of trying to destabilize the Kabul interim government through close ties between Tehran and Mr. Khan. U.S. officials also claim fleeing al-Qaida and Taleban forces have been allowed to escape across the border. Iran and the Herat governor have denied the charges.

 Mr. Rumsfeld is to travel to Turkmenistan later Saturday, and is expected in Moscow for talks with senior Kremlin officials on Monday.
 
 

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters. 

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