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CNN Sunday Morning

America's New War: Rumsfeld Doesn't Believe Taliban

Aired September 30, 2001 - 10:02   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.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: More now on the information we're getting out of Islamabad and the Taliban, their comments on the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden. As we've indicated, Donald Rumsfeld, this morning, the secretary of defense, he does not believe what the Taliban has to say. For more on this, in Pakistan, in Islamabad, here's CNN's Tom Mintier - Tom.

TOM MINTIER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill. What the Taliban is saying, first and foremost, is they know where Osama Bin Laden is. Now, they have been saying for the last few days they were unable to deliver a message from Mullah Omar because they didn't know where he was. Now, they not only say they know where he is, but they say he is in Afghanistan, in an unknown place for his safety and security, that he is under the control of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and only security people know where he is.

Now, this startling revelation came this afternoon from the Taliban ambassador to Pakistan. It should be pointed out that Pakistan is the only country that still has diplomatic ties with the Taliban. Saudi Arabia canceled their ties last weekend and then we also had UAE, United Arab Emirates - has canceled their ties. So the only window that remains open - and the president of Pakistan said he wanted to keep it open - was here in Islamabad.

Now, the ambassador went on to say that the position of the two countries is very different. He said, "They are thinking of direct attack. We are thinking of negotiation. They have provided no evidence, but they want the man." Again, this is the Taliban ambassador. "But we say if they change and talk to us, if they present evidence, we will respect their negotiations and might change things."

So again, Donald Rumsfeld, the secretary of defense in the United States, has already responded, saying they don't believe what the Taliban says. But Bill, what the Taliban is saying, tonight, here in Islamabad, they know where he is and that he's under control of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. So basically, they have the information but they say -- for security reasons, will not say where in Afghanistan he is but simply say he is still inside Afghanistan - Bill.

HEMMER: And Tom, I know we asked you this last hour, but is there any reason to understand why now there appears to be this reverse in the Taliban's position? MINTIER: Well, I think you have to be inside Mullah Omar's head to know why he would give instructions for the embassy here, in Pakistan, to release this statement that they indeed have him and know where he is and he's under control of the Taliban. This is something that they basically denied even knowing where he was in previous days. So I think it's significant in its timing, maybe that it might not result in anything, but the Taliban is basically coming forward and saying, "We have Osama Bin Laden. He is in a safe place for his safety. But we know where he is. He is under the control of the Emirate of Afghanistan."

This is a startling new development.

HEMMER: Tom, on another front that we've been talking about throughout the day here, the trial for eight western aid workers, now back in court again today. What new do we have on that, Tom?

MINTIER: What new that we have is that the court was in session today, after being postponed yesterday and the judge basically giving the defense lawyer, from Pakistan, anywhere from three to 15 days to prepare his case for trail, saying that he will the opportunity to meet with the eight defendants, as you said before, four from Germany, two from Australia and two Americans.

Now, we did have the parents of Heather Mercer on the show a couple of hours ago. And they are quite concerned that these two items may be linked, the attacks on the United States on September 11 and their case that is going forward now in the Taliban court.

The judge saying today that there is no relationship between what happened in the United States and what might happen in the court. But again, he's going to allow the lawyers time to go over the evidence. And the lawyer admits that there isn't much evidence to go over. Basically, what was seized in a raid in their homes and offices in the first week of August? So they are - basically, have been moved to another location from where they once were. But he has had contact today with them, saying that their spirits are good and they are optimistic. That from the lawyer representing the eight international aid workers inside Afghanistan.

HEMMER: All right, Tom, and quickly, any more demonstrations either pro or against the U.S. position where you are there, in the Pakistani capital?

MINTIER: Well, there was one yesterday that was broken up by Islamabad police, basically saying that they did not have the right and ability to demonstrate, that there is a local ordinance to prevent it. Now, this was a coalition for peace rally that was being attempted here in downtown Islamabad.

It should be pointed out that on Thursday there were rallies all across the country basically in support of the government. But this rally, this peace rally, that was started ended very quickly when the organizers were picked up by police, taken in a pickup truck to police headquarters and the protesters told to go away. So there is also a new law in Pakistan that it's now illegal to handout pamphlets. So I think they're trying to crack down on all sides to prevent anybody from getting out on the street and any more to have a demonstration either for or against.

HEMMER: All right, Tom, interesting legislation there - no pamphlets allowed in Pakistan. Tom Mintier live in Islamabad. Tom, thanks to you.

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