The President's statement, broadcast on Afghan radio and television, marks a breakthrough in a rapidly developing effort by the United Nations to end more than 13 years of war between Afghanistan's Soviet-installed Government and Islamic rebel groups.

Complaints on Lack of Support The Soviets have frequently complained about the Bush Administration's support of the Afghan rebels, who are trying to overthrow the Soviet-installed Government in Kabul.

In Brooklyn, Mr. Abouhalima became active in a group that raised money and sent volunteers to help the Afghan resistance against the Soviet-installed Government.

Many acclaimed intellectuals and political leaders sentenced during the reprisals by the Soviet-installed Government of Janos Kadar were granted amnesties after four or five years in prison.

One discussion is on regional conflicts, and Mr. Gerasimov repeated Soviet criticisms of Pakistan for continuing to aid rebels fighting the Soviet-installed Government of Afghanistan.

American Government supporters of the rebel forces remain convinced that their proteges can push on to victory by toppling the Soviet-installed Government of Najibullah.

The Soviet forces withdrew in 1989, and the mujahedeen fell into civil war among themselves three years later when the Soviet-installed Communist Government in Kabul collapsed.

Mr. Najibullah sought protection there in April, after the old Soviet-installed Government was driven from power by Islamic rebels after 13 years of civil war.

Even Zain Noorani, the normally optimistic Pakistani negotiator, who represents the Afghan guerrillas battling the Soviet-installed Government in Kabul, conceded that "this can't go on forever."

Everyone questioned emphasized a readiness to continue fighting until an "Islamic government" - one free of all supporters of the Soviet-installed Government in Kabul - is in power.