These pre-date the intifada, but currently take the form of a punitive blockade on much of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.It also demands an end to the persistent use of excessive force by the Israeli armed forces, which yesterday continued to trade mortar fire with Palestinians in Gaza. It wants Israel to take steps to disarm the 380,000 Jewish settlers who have set up residence in the occupied territories (including Arab east Jerusalem) in defiance of international law.The report describes the intifada as mass resistance that has no military goal.Mr Sharon, under pressure from his coalition allies in the Labour party, has said he will not negotiate while Palestinian violence continues.. Afghanistan's opposition leader, Ahmad Shah Masood, made his first appearance in the West yesterday to appeal for help in his long struggle against the ruling Taliban regime. Afghanistan's opposition leader, Ahmad Shah Masood, made his first appearance in the West yesterday to appeal for help in his long struggle against the ruling Taliban regime. After talks in Paris with the French Foreign Minister, Hubert Vedrine, Mr Masood called for pressure on Pakistan, the Taliban's main supporter.His visit comes weeks after the Taliban incurred outrage by blowing up centuries-old statues of the Buddha and other Buddhist works of art.In addition to civil war, the country is suffering from its worst drought in 30 years. The two scourges have turned four million people into refugees, inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring Iran and Pakistan.Despite repeated summer offensives, Mr Masood's opposition Northern Alliance controls barely 10 per cent of the country. As a former member of the governmentoverthrown in 1996 but still technically recognised by most countries, Mr Masood has some international status.

But, thus far, that has not helped his cause.A new opposition offensive is on the cards, according to Mr Masood. But everything hinges on the attitudes of foreign leaders, he declared. "Do they want to defend the just cause of the Afghan people, or will they be content with declarations?". Two months ago Kutch was destroyed by an earthquake. Millions of dollars have been raised in India and around the world to bring relief but very little has changed.

The scenery that greeted Bill Clinton yesterday, on his first overseas trip since leaving office, differed little from what reporters on the scene saw shortly after the earthquake Two months ago Kutch was destroyed by an earthquake. Millions of dollars have been raised in India and around the world to bring relief but very little has changed. The scenery that greeted Bill Clinton yesterday, on his first overseas trip since leaving office, differed little from what reporters on the scene saw shortly after the earthquake. Some rubble has been bulldozed to the sides of the road. Tents, both makeshift and donated, have been strung up among the wreckage. The stench of decay no longer hangs in the air.Multinational agencies such as the Red Cross and many non-governmental organisations have worked hard to help victims ward off hunger and thirst, and to treat the sick and injured. But there is no sign of the Indian government beginning the massive task of rehabilitating the region.The people who have suffered so much are angry, even the local officials are angry. What has happened here since the quake? Anjar was selected for Mr Clinton's visit because it was one of the town's worst hit by the earthquake, with 4,000 thought to have died."The government has provided galvanised metal sheets," Mr Desai, the chief officer of Anjar municipality said.

"They have given a cash dole of maximum 2,000 rupees (£30) per person Anjar needs everything. We need metal sheets to build 10,000 houses, we need a hospital."The basic problem in Anjar is that it is now a heap of rubble "Anjar should be moved somewhere else," Mr Desai admitted. "The people are in agreement that they want the town to be moved There is a suitable location close by Unfortunately the government has not declared any package. If the government does not take action speedily, people will have to go back to their ruined homes. We're just waiting for the government to announce the package. It's been 70 days."Kutch was on its best behaviour for Mr Clinton, who was tanned and dressed informally in a dark green sweatshirt and chinos as he stepped out of his navy blue Cherokee Jeep while a handful of Secret Servicemen struggled to keep the friendly yet excitable crowd at a distance.Even the women waving small placards, with slogans such as 'No faith in heartless inactive discriminatory government', shouted and clapped when Mr Clinton arrived.