Afghan Taliban reject Karzai's plea for peace

The Afghan Taliban has rejected the consultative peace Jirga's demand to shun violence and join the process to bring stability in war-torn Afghanistan, saying it will continue its struggle until foreign forces pull out of the country.

Talking to media persons after the conclusion of the peace Jirga, which was called by Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, Taliban spokesperson Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi blamed Karzai for delaying the exit of foreign forces by offering a truce.

"Neitherare the offers of the Jirga acceptable to us nor is the invitation of Karzai. All these efforts are aimed at prolonging the stay of foreigners," The News quoted Ahmedi as saying.

"The Jirga is indeed a gathering of government supporters and agents of foreigners. The Taliban don't accept Jirgas and reject its demands. If the Jirga is really concerned about the welfare of Afghanistan, it should first extend steps for the withdrawal of foreign forces," he added.