Organization: The American University - University Computing Center
Date: Friday, 17 Apr 1992 09:39:22 EDT
From: <OMARS@auvm.american.edu>
Newsgroups: soc.culture.afghanistan
Subject:    News update 3

Here is the latest gathering of news about our homeland. Our readers
should keep in mind that there are many conflicting reports filtering
through and that the situation at this moment, specially in Kabul, can
only be described as "confusing". To a certain extent, given the conditions
on the field, this state of affairs is understandable:


                      ******** U P D A T E ********


1-  Following Najib's ouster from power yesterday, it is not clear as to
    who may be in charge in Kabul. One report said a 4-man military junta
    has taken power and may be negociating with main Mujahedeen commanders
    who are surrounding Kabul. The names of Gen. Nabi Azimi, Abdul Momen,
    Asef Delawar and Baba Khan are mentioned as junta members. The BBC reported
    that Najib's foreign minister, Abdul Wakil (a known Marxist and close
    associate of Najib's until yesterday who ascended to power with the
    invading Soviet troops in 1979), is now denouncing Najib as a "hated
    dictator" and is acting as the new junta's spokesperson. The BBC reported
    today that Wakil has been sent to the outskirts of Kabul to meet with
    Ahmad Shah Massoud, the Mujahedeen commander advancing from the North.
    It is not known whether Massoud has agreed to see Wakil or not.

    Another report said a coalition of army/ruling-party and certain Mujahedeen
    commanders (?!) have formed an interim administration in Kabul.

    UN special envoy Benon Sevan is in Kabul attempting to forge a new ruling
    council acceptable to all sides. He is said to be working with Pakistan-
    based parties to set up a new council composed of party representatives.
    The initial UN plan for a 15-member council is effectively dead.

2-  Ahamd Shah Massoud's forces are now within 15 miles of the capital city.
    Massoud's brother A. Wali Massoud, in an interview in London said a
    Mujahedeen-led government will be in power in Kabul within days.
    He said events have taken their natural course and that the latest
    developments should not surprise anyone. He said Massoud is intent on
    minimizing bloodshed and is concerned about civilian casualties. He also
    said the Mujahedeen are ready to talk to all sides in order to facilitate
    a peaceful transition.

3-  Kabul radio and television are now denouncing Najib as a traitor to
    the country and party, calling him a dictator. The ruling-party (Marxist
    in origin) is now using Najib as a scapegoat. The party's second-in-command
    M. Mazdak yesterday called on his "Mujahedeen brothers" ( a term never used
    before by these people, who used to call the Mujahedeen as the "enemy" and
    "devil's brothers" and other degrading names until recently) to initiate
    peace talks.

4-  Foreign governments including the U.S, Pakistani, Iranian and others are
    calling for restraints and avoidance of bloodshed. Most are still relying
    on the UN to implement a peace formula.

5-  Najib's brother-in-law and ambassador to India Ahmad Sarwar has gone
    into hiding in India saying that his life is in danger. The Indian
    government has not received a request for asylum from this individual.

6-  It is still not clear how much coordiation and cooperation exists between
    different Mujahedeen forces grouped around Kabul. Reports say that the
    Northern provinces' militia forces under Gen. R. Dostam, who captured the
    city of Mazar-e-Sharif two weeks ago, have joined Massoud's men and may
    even have participated in the capture of the Bagram airbase by flying
    airplanes from the Mazar airfield towards Bagram. On the other hand,
    Gulbudin Hekmatyar's forces are advancing from the South of Kabul and
    may plan to preempt Massoud's forces by attacking the city first. Massoud
    and Hekmatyar have had a long history of rivalry and differences.

    More news to be posted as it becomes available.
Newsgroups: soc.culture.afghanistan