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| Afghanistan |
| Taliban wants US troops out before peace talks - No problem - Fall of 2011 |
| 2010-04-20 |
| By Syed Saleem Shahzad - The Afghan Taliban has strongly rejected media speculation that its leader Mullah Omar has agreed to resign from his position and called for reconciliation with the United States. In a statement released late Tuesday, the Taliban reasserted that no peace talks would begin until there was a complete withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. "The Islamic emirate of Afghanistan emphasises its unwavering stand regarding talks with the Americans and considers the unconditional withdrawal of all invading forces from Afghanistan a prerequisite for talks and negotiations with the Americans," the statement said. "Talks with America in the presence of foreign forces would mean giving their invasion legitimacy." The Taliban also claimed that the US presence in Afghanistan was the main reason for the "instability" in the country and the region. "So any deal under the name of negotiation is a betrayal of the Islamic aspirations of the people of Afghanistan and all vital interests as long as this factor remains in its place," it said. The Taliban statement also attacked the British weekly newspaper, The Sunday Times for promoting "farcical rumours" by claiming the Taliban was ready to take part in peace talks. "The Sunday Times published the report against all codes of journalism, on the basis of two unknown and alleged members of the leadership council of the Islamic Emirate (Afghanistan)," the statement said. Without naming any individuals, the Taliban said international media reports were often part of a campaign to malign the Taliban. It said only two spokesman were appointed to speak to the media and all reports should be "verified" with these spokesmen. |
| Posted by:GolfBravoUSMC |
| #1 "The Islamic emirate of Afghanistan" says it right there. They have no intention of any peace talks unless they are restored to absolute power. Ergo, they need to be dead. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2010-04-20 19:28 |