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Afghan president urges Taliban to lay down arms

Iran Press TV

Tue Oct 15, 2013 5:58PM GMT

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has called on Taliban to give up militant activities and join the Kabul government-led peace process in Afghanistan.

Karzai made the remarks on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, or Feast of the Sacrifice, which marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

On Tuesday, the Afghan president called on Taliban leaders and fighters "not to kill and destroy the dear young people of Afghanistan."

Thousands of Afghans have lost their lives in bombings and other militant attacks since the US-led invasion and occupation began 12 years ago.

Karzai has frequently said the militant group was pursuing the interests of foreigners in the war-torn country.

The president has also said the peace talks with the militant group should be initiated, led and owned by Afghans.

The developments come after US President Barack Obama's administration supported peace talks with the Taliban in Qatar after the Washington forces lost ground against the militants in recent months across Afghanistan.

Senior Afghan officials say the move contradicts the US security guarantees, noting that the Taliban militants will be able to use their Doha office to raise funds for their campaign in Afghanistan.

The ongoing tensions cast a spotlight on the depth of distrust between Kabul and Washington.

Moreover, President Karzai has ruled out signing a security deal with the United States until disagreements over sovereignty issues, night raids and civilian causalities are resolved. The Afghan president has recently told British media that he is not ready to sign the deal as long as it does not suit Afghanistan's interests and purposes.

The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity continues to rise across the country, despite the presence of thousands of US-led troops.

JR/PR