Taliban FM a war criminal, says Afghan minister
( 2002-02-09 16:18 ) (7 )

Afghan Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah Saturday branded former Taliban foreign minister Mullah Abdul Wakil Muttawakil, who has handed himself over to US officials, a war criminal who should be brought to trial.

"Taliban leaders have committed crimes against humanity in Afghanistan," Abdullah told a media conference.

"There is no political role for such war criminals."

Commenting on the fact Muttawakil was in the hands of the US military, he said the Afghan authorities in conjunction with coalition forces were hunting for all Taliban leaders, whether they are hiding inside or outside Afghanistan.

"If we get information, I hope that with the help of our neighbouring countries we will be able to get them ... wherever they are."

He had no details of the circumstances of Muttawakil's surrender, but a Pentagon spokesman said Friday the former foreign minister had turned himself in voluntarily to the US military in Kandahar.