81.  It was unclear whether Omar, who urged Taliban fighters to resist U.S.-backed Afghan forces in a radio address last week, was involved in any negotiations.

82.  Kandahar was the birthplace of the radical Taliban movement and was the last major Afghan city to fall to U.S.-backed Afghan forces last year.

83.  Jospin also said France is willing to contribute fighter planes, mine-clearing experts and training for future Afghan military forces.

84.  Near Kandahar in the south, Afghan forces closed the road toward the Pakistan border, claiming there had been fighting between rival tribal gunmen.

85.  Near Kandahar in the south, Afghan forces closed the road toward the Pakistan border, claiming there had been fighting between tribal gunmen.

86.  Near Kandahar in southern Afghanistan, Afghan forces closed the road toward the Pakistan border, claiming there had been fighting between tribal gunmen.

87.  On Tuesday, ministry spokesman Mikhail Demurin called for a cease-fire and constructive talks involving all Afghan political forces.

88.  Pakistan shut the Taliban embassy in November after the repressive militia was routed by the U.S.-led coalition and anti-Taliban Afghan forces.

89.  Rosa said U.S. and allied Afghan forces were continuing to engage small pockets of enemy forces in that area Tuesday.

90.  Rumsfeld said high-level Taliban leaders have been captured by opposition Afghan forces and American officials are planning to interrogate them.