POPPIES FOR PEACE:TALIBAN OFFER TO NIP OPIATE IN BUD

The Taliban offered Tuesday to stop growing the poppies that make
Afghanistan the world's second biggest opium producer, in exchange for
recognition as the government of the country.

Mullah Mohammad Omar, the supreme leader of the Islamic militia, made
the offer in remarks to the Islamic militia's Bakhtar news agency.

"As it is now the poppy sowing season, if the world is honest and
sincere in its word, we are also ready to carry out this measure,"
Omar said.

According to the United Nations, Afghanistan increased its opium
production to 3,269 metric tons this year, an increase of 16 percent
over the previous year.

Only Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates recognize the
Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.

Checked-by: Rich O'Grady