The World - News from Aug. 24, 1989

Afghan rebels in Peshawar, Pakistan, rejected proposals from Afghan President Najibullah for direct talks backed up by an international conference. “This is nothing new,” said Hamed Karzai, a spokesman for the rebel faction. “Our position is that we are essentially in this conflict because we want to get rid of this regime.” Najibullah also suggested Tuesday that the two sides form a council to arrange a cease-fire and draft a constitution and electoral laws. “If they would like to negotiate with us the terms of their surrender, then let’s do it,” said Karzai.