Reagan, Afghan Guerrillas Meet

President Reagan met today with Afghan guerrilla leaders and said the presence of Soviet troops in Afghanistan remains a “major impediment” to improved superpower relations.

Reagan, whose Administration is preparing for the third U.S.-Soviet summit next month, also scored the Soviets for remaining silent to his call for setting a date for the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. Reagan called the brief Oval Office meeting with members of the Afghan resistance “useful . . . but also a very moving discussion.” He pledged continued U.S. support for the rebels’ fight against the Soviet occupiers.