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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
May 21, 1999

Afghanistan: Reports of Reprisals Against Civilians

We have received disturbing but incomplete reports alleging major reprisals by Taliban forces against the overwhelmingly Hazara Shi'a civilian population in Afghanistan's central highlands following Taliban capture of the area last week. There are reports that hundreds of civilians have been taken hostage, arrested, and killed, and 250 houses burnt. As many as 100,000 persons reportedly have fled their homes.

The United States condemns such human rights abuses and calls on all parties to refrain from reprisals against the civilian population.

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