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| Afghanistan |
| Karzai Seeks Saudi's Support to Afghan Peace Deal |
| 2010-02-03 |
| [Quqnoos] President Karzai left for Saudi Arabia on Tuesday likely to seek Saudi's support in talks to Taliban. President Hamid Karzai, who is heading a delegation that includes Foreign Minister Zalmay Rasoul and key religious leaders, planned to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, then meet with King Abdullah. Afghan President and King Abdullah of Saudi will discuss Afghanistan, the region and possible "solutions for reconciliation," according to a statement from Karzai's office. Ahead of his trip to Saudi Arabia, President Karzai hoped that "King Abdullah will personally assume a prominent role in leading and supporting the peace process." The Afghan government announced a reintegration plan in a major international conference in London last week, offering jobs and other economic incentives to militants renouncing violence. The Taliban have dismissed the offer, pre-conditioning the withdrawal of foreign troops to any negotiations. Saudi Arabia was one of the few countries that recognised the Taliban regime before it collapses and it has been involved in peace efforts previously. The Afghan leader will travel Thursday to Munich, Germany for an international security conference. There were rumours that Saudi may provide asylum to those Taliban leaders who cut their ties with Al Qaeda network. |
| Posted by:Fred |