ID :
156395
Sat, 01/08/2011 - 15:01
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/156395
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Afghan leader seeks Pakistan's role in Taliban talks
Islamabad, Jan 8, IRNA -- Former Afghan President and head of the peace council Prof. Burhanuddin Rabbani Friday sought Pakistan's help to persuade Taliban to agree to dialogue with the Afghan government.
Rabbani arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday as the head of 14-member High Peace Council to seek Islamabad's role in the reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
'We want Pakistan help us for peace, security, stability and to encourage Taliban to come to the negotiation table,' Rabbani told reporters in Islamabad.
He said Pakistan and the Afghan peace council have agreed on the formation of a joint mini-Jirga or council to work for the removal of misunderstanding between the two countries and to discuss bilateral security issues.
Afghan President formed the 70-member peace council in September for talks with Taliban and other rival groups however Taliban have rejected any talks with the council.
A Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says that there is no change in Taliban policy and there will be no talks with anyone unless the foreign troops leave Afghanistan.
Rabbani met President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and political and religious leaders, who supported the peace council's efforts.
'All the meetings with the Pakistani political and military leaders were fruitful. Our visit is the major confidence building between the two countries,' he said. He added that Pakistan wants peace and end to violence in Afghanistan.
Rabbani backed the idea of the opening office of Taliban in Turkey and said the peace council can hold direct talks with Taliban in Turkey.
The idea of the Taliban office was floated in the summit meeting of the Presidents of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey last month and Pakistan says it does not have any objection at the proposal./end
Rabbani arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday as the head of 14-member High Peace Council to seek Islamabad's role in the reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
'We want Pakistan help us for peace, security, stability and to encourage Taliban to come to the negotiation table,' Rabbani told reporters in Islamabad.
He said Pakistan and the Afghan peace council have agreed on the formation of a joint mini-Jirga or council to work for the removal of misunderstanding between the two countries and to discuss bilateral security issues.
Afghan President formed the 70-member peace council in September for talks with Taliban and other rival groups however Taliban have rejected any talks with the council.
A Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says that there is no change in Taliban policy and there will be no talks with anyone unless the foreign troops leave Afghanistan.
Rabbani met President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and political and religious leaders, who supported the peace council's efforts.
'All the meetings with the Pakistani political and military leaders were fruitful. Our visit is the major confidence building between the two countries,' he said. He added that Pakistan wants peace and end to violence in Afghanistan.
Rabbani backed the idea of the opening office of Taliban in Turkey and said the peace council can hold direct talks with Taliban in Turkey.
The idea of the Taliban office was floated in the summit meeting of the Presidents of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey last month and Pakistan says it does not have any objection at the proposal./end
