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| Afghan Opposition Leaders Meet US Congressmen |
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SUN, SEP 30, 2001
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Members of the exiled Afghan monarchy, delegations from the opposition Northern Alliance and military commanders met on Saturday to discuss the developing crisis that has gripped Afghanistan. The meeting was also attended by a delegation of US senators. The US lawmakers voiced support for an initiative to develop a government to replace the Taliban regime.
US congressmen on Saturday said they would help to rebuild Afghanistan if Afghan opposition forces worked with Washington to destroy the ruling Taliban and capture Osama bin Laden, America's prime suspect for masterminding the September 11 attack on America.
A delegation of senior congressmen is in Italy to meet the former king of Afghanistan, Mohammad Zahir Shah, and tribal elders who have gathered in Rome to discuss the crisis that has enveloped their country.
Zahir Shah wants to convene a grand council of elders to try to rally Afghanistan's fractious tribes behind a government of national unity.
The 86-year old former king, who has lived in exile since 1973, has become the focal point of diplomatic activity. Although he is old and frail, many diplomats believe Zahir Shah is probably the only figure with enough prestige to be able to galvanize his warring people behind a new administration.
But a spokesman for the Northern Alliance said that any attempts by Western powers to restore Zahir Shah to the throne would provoke further turmoil.
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