Taliban warns U.S. about sanctions.

Afghanistan_s ruling Taliban army on Tuesday threatened unspecified action against the United States if economic sanctions were imposed for its refusal to hand over suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden. In a letter to the "people of the United States," the Taliban_s reclusive leader, Mullah Mohammed Omar, warned of "surprises" if a U.N. resolution calling for the U.S.-endorsed sanctions were carried out. The letter did not elaborate on the type of action Afghanistan would take. Afghanistan must hand over bin Laden by Sunday or face economic sanctions. Omar urged U.S. citizens to intervene with their government to prevent the sanctions, or risk the consequences. "If you do not take a step in this direction then you will be surprised about what is coming to you and you will not be able to do anything about it," Omar said in the letter, which was received by The Associated Press in neighboring Pakistan.
The United States has alleged that bin Laden masterminded last year_s attacks on two U.S. embassies in East Africa. He has been placed on the FBI_s 10 Most Wanted List, and the U.S. administration has offered a $5 million for information leading to his arrest.
The Clinton administration said it was the threat seriously. "This is a United Nations resolution that has the backing of the Security Council and the international community," said National Security Spokesman David Leavy. "What we are talking about is a threat that Mr. bin Laden poses not only to the interests to the United States but the international community." Leavy said he had not seen the letter.