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CNN Live At Daybreak

America Under Attack: Pakistani Officials Begin Meeting with Senior Taliban Government Officials

Aired September 12, 2001 - 08:38   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: The name Osama bin Laden has been used all this morning as we talk about the short list of the potential suspects for this dramatic well-choreographed attack. The short list, really, he and his organization involving thousands at the top of it, and they are harbored, it is widely known, in Afghanistan by the Taliban.

We are joined now live via videophone from Kabul, Afghanistan by CNN's Nic Robertson -- Nic.

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Miles, certainly a lot of attention focused on Afghanistan at this time because of Osama bin Laden.

We have been told by diplomats here that senior Pakistani officials are, at this moment, meeting with senior Taliban government officials.

Now Pakistan is one of the only three countries to have recognized Taliban as the rightful rulers of Afghanistan, and Pakistan is regarded by many countries as perhaps one of those countries that has the greatest influence over the Taliban.

We don't know the content of the meetings at this time. However, we can confirm the meeting between senior Pakistani and senior Taliban officials are going on at this time.

It has been, however, in Kabul today and elsewhere in Afghanistan, a day of apprehension for many.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ROBERTSON (voice-over): Fearing what might come next after the attacks on the United States, international aid groups began pulling out of Kabul by the early morning. The German charity group, Agro Action, one of the first to leave.

United Nations operations here also virtuality closing down, as key staff, a procedure followed in the past for safety when regional tensions are high.

Apprehension also in Afghanistan's Taliban leadership. Foreign Minister Wakil Ahmad Muttawakil quick to explain their position after the attacks in America.

WAKIL AHMAD MUTTAWAKIL, AFGHANISTAN FOREIGN MINISTER: The Islamic emerad (ph) of Afghanistan has always expressed its condemnation of terrorism. Afghanistan has also been targeted with terrorism and we have been victims of terrorism. We condemn it here and internationally. Terrorism is frightening and creates hatred.

ROBERTSON: With suspicion of responsibility falling on Osama bin Laden, Muttawakil's government, well aware the implications bin Ladan's involvement would have for the Taliban, was keen to say bin Laden was not responsible.

MUTTAWAKIL: So far no one has officially accused us. If anyone has brought up his name, it's because of his reputation of the past.

ROBERTSON: Overnight, the already-tense atmosphere raised by an air-raid on Kabul, illuminating the sky with rocket and antiaircraft fire. An ammunition dumped hit and the two planes at Kabul airplane destroyed in an attack by the Taliban foe, the Northern Alliance.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROBERTSON: Well, for most people here it really is life as normal. The departure of the aid workers will fuel fears about the future, but many Afghans here are impoverished after 20 years of war and they have few other options other than to sit tight and just wait and see what happens, Miles.

O'BRIEN: CNNs Nic Robertson, exclusively live from Kabul, Afghanistan.

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