AFGHANISTAN - Aug. 28 - Prisoners To Be Released.

During a visit to Pakistan, FM Abdullah Abdullah says Kabul is to begin releasing some of the 800-900 Pakistani prisoners who entered the country to support the now-toppled Taliban regime. Officials in Kabul say the agreement allows Pakistani officials to screen the prisoners to ensure they do not join militant groups to prepare for an armed campaign against the government of Pakistani Pres. Pervez Musharraf. Kabul's offer to release the prisoners alarmed Pakistan's security officials because of the internal security implications. But the decision is also seen by Pakistan as an important step towards renewing ties between the two countries. (Pakistan backed the Taliban before turning against it to support the US after the Sept. 2001 terrorist attacks on the US. In addition, the new Afghan government includes figures such as FM Abdullah whose Northern Alliance faction fought the Taliban. A senior Pakistani official said: "Some of those in power in Afghanistan now were sworn enemies of Pakistan because of our support to the Taliban").