DATE=04-26-02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-289153

TITLE=AFGHANISTAN-RUMSFELD HOLDING (S)

BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB

DATELINE=KABUL

CONTENT=

///// RE-PRINTING WITH CR-NUMBER. /////

///// ED'S: SECRETARY RUMSFELD IS SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE IN KABUL 5:00 A-M EDT. WATCH FOR UPDATE. /////

INTRO: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is arriving Saturday (has arrived) in Afghanistan for a one-day visit. Correspondent Scott Bobb reports from Kabul the U-S official is to meet Afghan leaders and visits American troops stationed in the country.

TEXT: The Defense Secretary arrives in Afghanistan amidst tight security. He is to confer with senior Afghan officials on the continuing fight against al-Qaida forces and Taleban allies. U-S coalition forces have established security in most of Afghanistan since driving out the Taleban five-months ago.

But clashes continue to occur and the Defense Secretary told reporters he expects a spring offensive by remnants of the group.

Secretary Rumsfeld is also to meet with some of the eight-thousand U-S troops stationed in Afghanistan. He comes from neighboring Kyrgyzstan after meeting senior officials and international troops based near the capital, Bishkek.

Secretary Rumsfeld is visiting several central Asian nations before going to Moscow on Monday. (SIGNED)

NEB/PT/rae