12 June 2001

BACKDOOR PROMOTION OF TERRORISM BY FORMER SOVIET BLOC

From Jal Khambata

NEW DELHI: While India has been taking initiatives to bring together all those who are opposed to cross-border terrorism, there has been disturbing reports of fresh flow of materials and arms to Pakistan and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan from some constituents of the old Soviet Union.

This is feared to frustrate the efforts to enforce the anti-terrorism sanctions against the Taliban regime as per the UN Security Council resolution.

Since the UN resolution came into effect, Turkmenistan has entered into agreements with different Taliban firms for the supply of oil and oil products worth over $ 10 million. This despite the fact that this
CIS country officially subscribes to the UN decision.

What causes more worry for India and other victims of Islamic fundamentalism has been the reported arms sales by Ukraine to Pakistan.

Last year, Islamabad had negotiated with Ukraine for 200 tanks and spare parts for its use. It is feared that there have been more such deals and much of it was destined to fall into the hands of Taliban and Osama Bin Laden who might route them to terrorist groups in areas like Kashmir and Chechnya.

Apparently, such deals make the UN saction ineffective.Published reports suggest that such fresh supply of oil and other materials to the shortage-hit Afghanistan is likely to increase this year.

The intelligence reports point out that new oil tankers are being built for carrying liquid gas at Kerki and Kushka towns near the Afghan border. In February last year, Taliban regime and Pakistan
had agreed to speed up the construction of a gas pipeline from Turkmenistan which will meet their oil needs. Turkmenistan's main aim is to get the much needed funds from the cash rich Taliban. END