DATE=1/21/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAK/U-S (L)
NUMBER=2-258301
BYLINE=AYAZ GUL
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:


INTRO:  The United States is urging Pakistan to crack 
down on militant Islamic groups operating from its 
territory.  This is the outcome of a meeting today 
(Friday) between Pakistan's military ruler, General 
Pervez Musharraf, and an American delegation led by a 
senior U-S official.  As Ayaz Gul reports from 
Islamabad, the U-S delegation also met with 
representatives of Afghanistan's Taleban movement to 
press for the extradition of terrorist suspect Osama 
bin Laden.


TEXT:  Assistant Secretary of State Karl Inderfurth 
says the subject of terrorism dominated talks with the 
Pakistani officials.  The senior U-S official says he 
told Pakistan's leaders the United States is extremely 
worried by the threat of terrorism from Islamic 
extremist groups in the region.

Mr. Inderfurth says the existence of such groups in 
Pakistan works against the country's national 
interest.

            /// Inderfurth Act ///

      We hope that the government of Pakistan will 
      take steps against such extremist groups.  We 
      believe that the presence and activities of 
      these groups give Pakistan a bad international 
      reputation in the world community.

            /// End Act ///

The U-S official says he pressed Pakistan to use its 
influence with Afghanistan's Taleban movement to get 
Saudi militant Osama bin Laden expelled to face U-S 
terrorism charges.  Pakistan is one of three countries 
that formally recognize the Taleban rule in 
Afghanistan.

            /// Inderfurth Act ///

      The continuing presence of Mr. bin Laden and his 
      network in Afghanistan, we believe, is a threat 
      to the international community.  We urge the 
      government of Pakistan to use its influence with 
      the Taleban that bin Laden be expelled and 
      brought to justice.  We hope that that day will 
      happen very soon.

            /// End Act ///

Mr. Bin Laden is wanted by the United States on 
suspicion he was involved in the bombings of two U-S 
embassies in Africa that killed more than 200 people.  
Mr. Inderfurth says he had a private meeting in 
Islamabad with the representatives of the Taleban 
Islamic movement to press for Mr. bin Laden's 
extradition from Afghanistan.  The Taleban refuses to 
hand over the Saudi dissident, saying he is a guest in 
the country. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/JP




21-Jan-2000 14:38 PM EDT (21-Jan-2000 1938 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.