- Title: AFGHANISTAN: NEW TALEBAN RULERS TIGHTEN THEIR HOLD ON KABUL.
- Date: 28th September 1996
- Summary: KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (SEPTEMBER 28 AND 29, 1996) (RTV - ACCESS ALL) (SEPTEMBER 28) 1. LV/GV: KABUL STREET SCENES (3 SHOTS) 0.27 (SEPTEMBER 29) 2. MV: UNITED NATIONS ENVOY NORBERT HOLL AT NEWS CONFERENCE (2 SHOTS) 0.38 3. MCU: HOLL SAYING WE HAVE INTERRUPTED ALREADY PROGRAMMES WITH UNICEF BECAUSE OF THE WOMEN ISS
- Embargoed: 13th October 1996 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
- City:
- Country: Afghanistan
- Reuters ID: LVADNJH5HXZKQ07M0O4R4JB8OG9Y
- Story Text: INTRO: The United Nations special envoy to Afghanistan Norbert Holl says he sees hopeful signs in talks with Kabul's new hardline Islamist rulers, despite a law banning women from the workplace.
-------------------------------------------------------------------- The United Nations employs many women in its programmes in war-ravaged Afghanistan. It has already suspended educational activities in areas previously captured by the Taleban, a militant Sunni Moslem movement which grew out of religious schools in refugee camps in Pakistan.
Holl said he had discussed the role of women along with human rights in a two-hour meeting with the Taleban interim shura, or council on Saturday (September 28).
"This is an issue and will remain an issue," he told a news conference on Sunday. "I hope this does not remain a dialogue with both sides sitting on principles. I hope we can find some practical solutions. I had indications for some hope." Holl refused to elaborate.
About 70 per cent of teachers in Kabul are women. Taleban fighters have entered foreign relief agencies in the capital to find out if women are working there, aid workers said.
Holl refused to say whether he had raised the issue of the execution of former president Najibullah, whose Soviet-backed regime encouraged women to get an education.
The U.N. envoy has already expressed his deep dismay at the execution. The U.N. Security Council late on Saturday deplored the "brutal execution" of Najibullah.
Holl said he had asked the Taleban to protect U.N. agencies working in Afghanistan and to respect the U.N. charter.
The International Red Cross said on Sunday it had arranged a 35-lorry convoy of food and medical supplies in Pakistan to be sent to Kabul, probably on Monday.
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