US Holding Talks With Taliban: Karzai

The United States is holding talks with the Taliban, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Saturday, in the first official confirmation of such contacts after nearly 10 years of war.

The United States is holding talks with the Taliban, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Saturday, in the first official confirmation of such contacts after nearly 10 years of war.

Although diplomats and officials say talks are at a very early stage, Karzai's remarks highlight the increasing focus on finding a political solution in Afghanistan as foreign combat troops prepare to pull out by 2014.

Karzai Urges Pakistan To Help End Taliban Insurgency

By Zeeshan Haider and Augustine Anthony

ISLAMABAD

(Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai repeated his call forPakistan on Friday to help end a 10-year Taliban insurgency, as their mutual ally the United States tries to build on battlefield gains to force a political settlement.

Pakistan is seen as a critical regional player with the clout to help all parties in the conflict reach a settlement.

"The brotherly role of Pakistan ... together with us in defeating extremism and terrorism and working with us to bring stability in both countries would go a long way," Karzai told reporters after meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari.