Ahlul Bayt News Agency ; Afghan President Hamid Karzai Friday called on Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar to stop fighting and join peace talks aimed at ending the long war in Afghanistan.
"We hope Mullah Mohammad Omar Akhund joins the peace process, gives up fratricide, gives up bombings and blasts, stops causing casualties to Afghanistan's children, women and men," he said, using Omar's religious title. Karzai was speaking at the presidential palace at a traditional post-prayers gathering of government ministers and officials to mark the first day of the Eid holiday that follows the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.
Karzai last week announced that he had set up a council to pursue peace talks with the Taliban. The formation of the High Peace Council was "a significant step towards peace talks," Karzai's office said at the time.
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