Preparations are in full swing in the run-up to the presidential elections in Afghanistan next month and no effort will be spared to ensure security, said the United Nations.

An explosion has cracked historic remains of one of the famed Bamiyan Buddha statues that were destroyed by the Taliban seven years ago, an Afghan culture official said today.

AN IRISH senior EU official and a British UN representative left Afghanistan yesterday after the government ordered their expulsion, accusing them of holding talks with the Taliban and for paying cash to the group.

One Irish and one British diplomat expelled from Afghanistan after they were accused of talking to the Taliban have now left the country, it was confirmed today.

Two senior diplomats, one Irish and the other British, are poised to be expelled from Afghanistan today amid allegations they held talks with Taliban militants.

Two senior diplomats, one Irish and the other British, are set to be expelled from Afghanistan tomorrow amid allegations they held talks with Taliban militants.

A BRITISH-BORN “wannabe suicide bomber” could be jailed for up to 15 years after he was found guilty of terrorism offences yesterday.

The shadow of al-Qaida fell across Afghanistan after Osama bin Laden’s top deputy called the country’s landmark elections a farce, and the US military commander here warned of more Taliban rebel attacks.

Three British men were arrested in Dubai and held for 10 days before being released without charge, Britain's Foreign Office said today.