DATE=11/30/2002

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUSSIA/AFGHAN TALKS (S)

NUMBER=2-296960

BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: In Moscow, Afghanistan's foreign minister, Abdullah, and his Russian counterpart, Igor Ivanov, have held talks focused on security issues, as Afghanistan struggles to recover from decades of war and instability. Bill Gasperini has more from Moscow.

TEXT: Mr. Ivanov said both agreed on the need to continue anti-terrorist operations in Afghanistan in the wake of the U-S-led intervention there to oust the Taleban last year.

The Russian foreign minister said the situation in Afghanistan is far from stable, and that the international coalition must keep up the effort to defeat remnants of the Taleban and the terrorist al-Qaida network.

Afghan Foreign Minister Abdullah said the world must center its attention on rebuilding his war-shattered country, in addition to fighting extremists.

Talks between the two men also focused on efforts to combat illegal drug smuggling, which experts say is on the rise. (Signed)

NEB/BG/ALW/TW