Taliban peace talks on the table for war leaders

Cairo News.Net
Tuesday 16th March, 2010

Afghan President Hamid Karzai and US President Barack Obama have spoken via a video conferencing line over future prospects of peace with the Taliban.

Mr Karzai's office has said the talks went on for about an hour, at which time he briefed President Obama on his efforts to speed up the peace and reconciliation process with Taliban members.

The Afghan president said he and Mr Obama had discussed the need for a unified approach in peace talks, which he said was necessary in reaching a political settlement between the Afghan government and Taliban fighters.

The Afghan leader began an effort this year to reach out to the Taliban in an effort to reduce violence.

Mr Karzai also discussed with President Obama his concern that Afghanistan could be used in a proxy war between nations, including Pakistan against India or the United States against Iran.

He said the Afghan people were worried the different powers could use Afghan territory to fight each other.

India and Pakistan have been vying for influence in Afghanistan with India accusing Pakistan of backing militant groups and Pakistan condemning India for building diplomatic missions in Afghanistan that support anti-government groups in Pakistan.

Iran and the United States believe each other’s governments publicly support the Afghan government while secretly engaging in activities that destabilise it.

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