VOA plan to air words of Taliban head draws State Department wrath

By George Gedda

Associated Press

WASHINGTON – The State Department said Monday it raised strong objections after learning that the government-supported Voice of America was preparing to air a segment of an interview with the leader of Afghanistan’s Taliban militia.

Spokesman Richard Boucher said the department did not believe that interviews with the Mullah Mohammed Omar, “the voice of the Taliban,” should be aired over U.S.-taxpayer backed facilities so long as he does not comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions.

The U.N. resolutions require that Afghan-based Osama bin Laden be extradited in connection with the bombings of two U.S. embassies in West Africa. Bin Laden also is a prime suspect in the terrorist attacks in the United States on Sept. 11.

Boucher said that unless Omar “was going to accept the requirements of the United Nations, then there was no news or anything newsworthy in any interview like that.” He said the interview on what is essentially a U.S. government broadcast would be confusing to listeners.

Joseph O’Connell, a VOA spokesman, said the station never had any intention of using Omar’s words as a stand alone interview but as part of a larger piece on the Afghan reaction to President Bush’s speech to a joint meeting of Congress last Thursday.

If the overall piece – with the Omar segment included – qualifies under VOA editorial guidelines, it will be used, said O’Connell.

But Boucher indicated the VOA was no longer planning to air Omar’s words in any format, calling the change in plans “the right decision. We think good sense prevailed.”

He added that the State Department recognizes VOA’s editorial independence.

“The VOA works according to its charter,” he said. “Its charter says that they should explain U.S. government policy and present responsible discussion about it. We don’t consider Mullah Omar to be responsible discussion.”

The VOA takes its editorial cues from a board of governors, on which the State Department has a seat. Boucher said other board members shared the State Department’s concerns.

The Washington Post, which first reported the story, said the VOA was preparing to broadcast the story Friday night. It was to have been beamed to listeners in Afghanistan and contained voices from Afghan-opposition leaders.

Copyright ©2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Riley Boyd, 6, left, and sisters Vivienne Boyd, 3, ride a sled together down a hill at Anderson Center Field on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County shouldn’t expect snow and cold to leave any time soon

Residents can expect a reprieve from the snow until possibly this weekend. Colder than normal temperatures are expected to remain into next week.

Modern DNA tech comes through again for Everett police in 1989 murder case

Recent advances in forensic genealogy led to the suspect’s arrest in Clark County, Nevada.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.