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Taliban Diplomats in Riyadh Pack Up
Wednesday, September 26, 2001
The Associated Press

The government of Saudi Arabia has expressed reservations about the use of the kingdom's air bases in any anti-terror campaign, fearing attacks could be launched against fellow Arab states.

RIYADH, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia -- AP
Taliban diplomats in the Saudi capital of Riyadh were packing up Wednesday, heeding orders to leave the kingdom within 48 hours as Saudi Arabia cut ties with Afghanistan's hard-line Islamic regime.

Saudi Arabia announced Tuesday it was ending all relations with the Taliban, accusing the ruling militia of defaming Islam and Muslims by “harboring criminals and terrorists.”

The move leaves Pakistan the only nation that formally recognizes the Taliban, accused by the United States of harboring terror suspect Osama bin Laden.

“We are getting our things together and we're planning on leaving the country soon,” said an administrative staffer at the Afghan Embassy, one of seven Afghans stationed there.

He spoke by telephone and refused to be identified, adding only that they hoped to leave the country by Thursday.
(More: Arab World News Source)
Copyright 2001 Associated Press

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