Bush Renews US Sanctions Against Taliban

US President George W. Bush on Monday extended US sanctions imposed on the ruling Taliban militia in Afghanistan for continuing to harbor Saudi terrorist Osama bin Laden.

"The Taliban continues to allow territory under its control in Afghanistan to be used as a safe haven and base of operations for Usama bin Laden," Bush said in a letter to U.S. Congress.

"This situation continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States," Bush said.

"I have determined that it is necessary to maintain in force these emergency authorities beyond July 4, 2001," Bush said.

The sanctions, banning transactions with the Taliban and freezing its assets in the United States, were first imposed last June by Clinton administration. It must be renewed annually.






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