Afghan President Hamid Karzai has announced that he has set up a council to pursue peace talks with the Taliban.
A statement from Karzai's office said that the formation of the High Peace Council was "a significant step toward peace talks."
Karzai intends to pursue reconciliation talks with insurgents willing to renounce violence, honor the Afghan Constitution, and sever ties with terrorist networks.
The statement added that officials met Karzai at his palace today to finalize the list of members, who would include "jihadi leaders, influential figures, and women."
Karzai's plan to create the High Peace Council was approved in June at a "peace jirga" in Kabul attended by community, tribal, religious, and political leaders from across the country.
International leaders have welcomed the establishment of the panel.
compiled from agency reports