LONDON Group of eight foreign ministers singled out Afghanistan for appalling human rights abuses including discrimination against women and girls. Using language markedly sharper than that chosen to condemn other countries with poor human rights records, the ministers' final communique singled out the Taleban government for particular condemnation. Backing United Nations efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the long-running conflict, they said all factions should refrain from military offensives and it was essential that all countries with influence should work to stop the supply of arms.

We also call on all Afghan factions to end the appalling human rights abuses in Afghanistan, including discrimination against women and girls; to reduce substantially the production, trafficking and abuse of drugs; and to halt all support for foreign terrorists. We urge all the Afghan factions, and particularly the Taleban, to ensure a co-operative climate for the indispensable work of international humanitarian organizations.

(Reuter)