Iran sends drought relief convoy to Afghanistan

October 18, 2000
Web posted at: 8:44 AM HKT (0044 GMT)

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Reuters) -- Afghanistan's ruling Taleban movement said on Tuesday it had received a relief convoy for drought-hit people from neighboring Iran, which does not recognize the Taleban government.

The convoy of trucks carrying 37 tons of food, 500 blankets and 150 tents was received on Tuesday by the Taleban governor in the western province of Herat, the Taleban's Voice of Shariat radio said.

The broadcast, monitored in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, said this was the first relief convoy from Iran, which recognizes ousted President Burhanuddin Rabbani who was driven out of the capital Kabul by the Taleban four years ago.

The Taleban government, which controls about 95 percent of the war-shattered country, is recognized by only three countries -- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- while Rabbani's representatives still hold the Afghan seat at the United Nations.

Parts of Afghanistan and neighbouirng Pakistan were hit this year by the worst drought in three decades because of lack of rains.

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