Kabul Demands Punishment Of Corpse Burners

23 October 2005 -- The Afghan government today called on the United States to punish anyone found to be responsible for the burning of what are said to be the bodies of two slain Taliban fighters.

Defense Ministry spokesman General Zahir Azimi said Afghan officials are investigating a television report that appears to show U.S. soldiers setting fire to the corpses.

Washington has expressed deep concern over the incident, which would contravene Muslim traditions and international law.

U.S. and Afghan authorities have vowed to conduct their own investigations.