Russia toughens stance towards Taliban

In compliance with the UN Security Council resolution No. 1333 of December 19, 2000, President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to enlarge limitations concerning the Taliban-controlled part of Afghanistan, the presidential press service says. All government offices, industrial, commercial, financial, transport and other companies, banks, organizations, and all other juridical and private persons under Russian federal jurisdiction shall proceed in their activities from presidential decree No. 786 of May 5, 2000, President Putin is quoted by RIA Novosti as saying. Apart from measures stipulated by decree No. 786, today's decree suspends direct and/or mediated supplies, sales and transportation to the Taliban-controlled Afghan areas of whatever military-oriented produce and commodities, dual-purpose technologies, and spare parts, units and auxiliary equipment for the said produce and services from January 19, 2001, into January 19, 2002. The decree introduces a wide range of other limitations. In particular, it prohibits the presence of all Russian functionaries, representatives, advisers and military in Afghanistan for consultation assistance to the Taliban on military matters. All Russian-based offices of the Taliban movement and the Ariana airlines shall be closed down. The decree orders all Ossama bin Laden's financial assets frozen.