Karzai Warns Of Foreign Interference In Peace Talks

A High Peace Council exists to negotiate with Taliban.

Image Portrait of Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai – middleeast.about.com

(KABUL Radio Free Afghanistan) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai says peace efforts with the Taliban should go through the High Peace Council set up by the Afghan government.

On January 29, Karzai warned his political opponents not to engage in negotiations that bypass the government.

He claimed foreign powers have approached some Afghan opposition power brokers and political groups to hold talks with the Taliban via side channels.

Karzai urged them to refuse such offers. He said the peace process will only have a good outcome when the country is unified.

Karzai also said foreign powers, including the United States, Western countries, and Afghanistan's neighbors, should not try to interfere with Afghan peace talks.

The High Peace Council was established in 2010 to lead efforts to negotiate with the Taliban.

Source: RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan