Karzai Urges Taliban to Join Afghan Political Process

Posted July 12th, 2012 at 11:40 pm (UTC-5)
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Afghan President Hamid Karzai is again urging Taliban fighters to lay down their weapons and join the political process.

Speaking to reporters Thursday in Kabul, Mr. Karzai said the two sides could start peace talks based on common ground. He called on fugitive Taliban leader Mullah Omar to come to Afghanistan and open a political office wherever he wants, but should stop attacks.

The Afghan president has repeatedly called on the Taliban to stop fighting against coalition and Afghan forces, renounce violence and participate in a peaceful reintegration into society. But the Taliban refuses to negotiate with the Karzai administration, calling it a “puppet regime” of the international coalition.