Afghanistan, Pakistan To Discuss Local Jirgas
March 12, 2007
Afghan and Pakistani troops guarding the border last month (epa)
The two sides agreed last year to hold jirgas -- traditional meetings -- in tribal areas of Pakistan that are believed to be militant strongholds.
Afghan officials say Taliban militants plot attacks on Afghanistan from such tribal areas.
The twodays of talks in Islamabad are expected to focus on who should take part in such jirgas and their agendas.
The meeting comes after U.S. President George W. Bush asked Congress on March 9 for additional funds to send 3,500 new U.S. troops to expand training of local police and army units in Afghanistan.
(AP, AFP)