Berlin says no decision yet on talks with moderate Taliban
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Berlin, Dec 22, IRNA -- The German government will not make any decision on holding talks with moderate elements of the Taliban ahead of next month's Afghanistan conference in London, an official said on Tuesday.
Addressing media representatives in Berlin, government spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm stressed there would be no unilateral action on the issue.
The London conference is to focus on national reconciliation in Afghanistan and the reintegration of former Afghan combatants, according to Wilhelm.
He pointed out that this was also a priority of Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
Wilhelm made clear that any talks with Taliban would have to include the main demands of the Afghan government, notably refraining from using violence and accepting the Afghan constitution.
German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg had earlier voiced support for holding peace talks with the moderate wing of Taliban aimed at lowering tensions in the war-stricken country.
OT**1416
End News / IRNA / News Code 857912
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