Afghan opposition leader holds talks with French leaders

(4 Apr 2001)

1. Ahmed Shah Massood entering and sitting down in presser
2. Close up Massood
3. Cutaway press
4. SOUNDBITE (Afghani) Ahmed Shah Massood, Afghan Opposition
"From the beginning as in the past, we remain opposed to all extremist movements even if it is Islamic, it doesn't represent the interests of our people."
5. Cutaway press
6. SOUNDBITE (Afghani) Ahmed Shah Massood, Afghan Opposition
"We favor studies and work and other activities by women and we not only favor them but we encourage them. The long war that we've struggled for in this country requires the participation of everyone including women."
7. Pan across delegation to Massood
8. SOUNDBITE (Afghani) Ahmed Shah Massood, Afghan Opposition
"I benefit from the opportunity to tell in order to understand the thoughts and the minds of the Taliban, you just have to think about the destruction they committed against the Buddhas."
9. Mid shot news conference
10.SOUNDBITE (Afghani) Ahmed Shah Massood, Afghan Opposition
"My message to President Bush is the following: If he isn't interested in peace in Afghanistan, if he doesn't help the Afghan people to arrive at their objective of peace, then the Americans and the rest of the world will have to face the problems."
11.Massood leaving building flanked by delegates and press

STORYLINE:

Commander Ahmed Shah Massood, one of the leaders of the Afghani rebels who are fighting Taliban rule, made a diplomatic visit to Paris on Wednesday

He was there to argue the case for foreign aid to his people and the opposition's cause.

Ahmed Shah Massood is the former Defence Minister of the only Afghan government that is still recognised by the United Nations.

This is his first official visit to the West.

Massood met privately with French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine in the morning and then talked to journalists in a news conference.

He told reporters his opposition to the Taliban meant he was opposed to extremism of all kinds, including Islamic extremism.

He also said that the opposition favored democratic elections, social justice and wanted women in Afghanistan to be allowed to go to school and work.

He called on the West to provide assistance to Taliban opposition and called on U-S President Bush to help his people arrive at their "objective of peace."

Massood is to visit France's National Assembly in the afternoon and is expected at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Thursday.

The Taliban have sharply criticized Massood's visit to Europe accusing the European Parliament of fanning the fires of war in Afghanistan.

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