Life "deplorable" in Afghanistan - Kofi Annan

BBC News
June 28, 2000

The United Nations secretary-general, Kofi Annan, has painted a desperate picture of life in Afghanistan, four years after the Islamic Taleban militia took control of the capital, Kabul.

In a report to the General Assembly, Mr Annan says large amounts of money are still spent on weapons, political structures remain shattered, children are dying from easily preventable diseases, and women and girls continue to face serious restrictions.

The report warns that the situation could get even worse, with indications that the Taleban and their opponents are preparing for a major new offensive.

It says the desperation in Afghanistan has been exacerbated by the worst drought in thirty years.

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