Afghan gov't seeks peace with Taliban

Afghan tribal elders and religious leaders endorsed President Hamid Karzai's proposals, to seek peace with the Taliban this, on the third and final day of the National Consultative Peace Jirga.

More than 1,600 delegates attended this traditional assembly discussing how to end 9 years of war. Friday's session, concluded with the approval of a 16-article resolution.

It calls for a halt to the fighting, dialogue between all sides, and support from the international community.

The elders also called on the Taliban to sever all ties with al-Qaeda and other extremist groups. (TAKE SOUND_BITE)

Enzer Gull, Kabul Resident, said, "All Afghans in the country, and outside Afghanistan, are tired of war. They want peace and reconstruction in their country. Fighting is not going to solve the problem."

Qiyamuddin Kashaf, Jirga Commision Deputy, said, "All the representatives and elders in this Jirga are determined to reach an agreement. All 1,600 delegates are hopeful for a strong and positive result from this gathering."

Source: CNTV.cn