Karzai Says Allies Back Taliban Reconciliation Efforts

Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks to the media at a press conference in Istanbul.

President Hamid Karzai said today that Afghanistan's renewed efforts to reconcile with the Taliban have the backing of its allies, including the United States and Europe.

Karzai was speaking at a news conference in Istanbul after he discussed cooperation against Islamist extremists and bilateral ties with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari.

It was the fourth round of Afghan-Pakistani talks since 2007 held under the auspices of Turkey, which enjoys traditionally close ties with both countries.

Karzai spoke ahead of a conference in London on January 21 expected to agree a framework for the Afghan government to begin taking charge of security in line with a 2011 timetable set by President Barack Obama to start drawing down U.S. troops.

with Reuters