TALIBAN DESTROY 2 ANCIENT BUDDHA STATUES, NORTHERN ALLIANCE SAYS








DELHI, March 9, 2001 /Igor Alexandrov, RIA Novosti Correspondent/ -- The Taliban have completely destroyed two ancient Buddha statues in Afghanistan's Bamian province, a spokesman of the Taliban-opposing Northern Alliance said in the town of Daraye-Souf, north of Bamian.


	The spokesman said the demolition of the giant sculptures began Thursday afternoon. The opposition claims to have reports that they are now completely destroyed. High explosive was used to destroy the Buddhas.


	The report has not yet been confirmed by other sources, including the Taliban.