We Won`t Hand over bin Laden Until……….

It seem the war is inescapable. The ruling Taliban of Afghanistan virtually refused yesterday the ultimatum of the U.S. to hand over the terrorist Osama bin Laden in three days.

The leaders of the Taliban asserted through the radio broadcast that ``the attempt to connect Mr. Osama bin Laden to the terror has no ground. It`s only a pretext to attack Afghanistan.``

Consequently, the efforts of the Pakistan delegation to mediate seem to end up with nothing. The Supreme Council of the Taliban will hold a special meeting in Kabul to discuss whether to hand over Bind Laden but is likely to be concluded with rejection.

A Pakistan source said that the Taliban would request for the clear evidence that bin Laden is the wire-puller of the terror, to judge Bin Laden in the court of a neutralist nation instead of the U.S., to release the embargo against the Taliban, to suspend the support to the Northern Protest Militia, and the economic support. However, the U.S. would not accept the requests.

The Taliban broadcasted, ``If the U.S. attack us, we will wage the holy war. God is for us.`` And the Taliban closed the airports in the nation and mobilized its 25,000 troops and Russian Scud missiles to the Pakistan border.

The Taliban also carried out a massive attack on the bases of the rebel army, 50 km north of Kabul.

The Dawn, Pakistan newspaper, reported that bin Laden riding on a horse left Kabul to a unknown hiding place through 500 his followers` cordial farewell.

Meanwhile, George Bush visited the Pentagon Sep. 17 and said, ``for justice, we will punish bin Laden whether he is alive or dead.``

The U.S. President Bush meets with French President Jacques Chirac on Sep 18, Indonesian President Megawati today, British Prim Minister Tony Blaire to discuss the measures about the war against the terrorism.

The 15 member countries of the EU will also hold a special summit talks in Brussels to discuss the U.S.`s war against the terrorism.

Hong Kwon-Heui konihong@donga.com