Archaelogists unearth 19-m Buddha statue, relics

Archaeologists have discovered a 19-m Buddha statue along with scores of other historical relics in central Afghanistan near the ruins of giant statues destroyed by the Islamist Taliban seven years ago.

The team was searching for a giant sleeping Buddha believed to have been seen by a Chinese pilgrim centuries ago when it came upon the relics in the central province of Bamiyan, an official said yesterday.

"In total, 89 relics such as coins, ceramics and a 19 meters statue have been unearthed," said Mohammad Zia Afshar, advisor in the information and culture ministry.