KABUL, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Taliban elusive leader Mullah Mohammad Omar has
forwarded a formula to end conflicts and bring about peace in his war-torn
country, a local newspaper reported Saturday.
"Mullah Omar delivered his plan through Saudi Arabia King Abdullah bin
Abdul Aziz," daily Outlook quoted Iranian television channel Press TV as saying.
Without going into the details of the formula, the newspaper added that the
adamant Taliban chief, contrary to the past, in the plan stressed for timetable
for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.
"Peacekeeping troops from Muslim countries should replace the NATO and U.S.
troops to ensure a smooth transition until the Afghans can reach a consensus
government," Omar insisted in the formula, according to the newspaper.
Another demand made by Mullah Omar is about sharing power with the current
Afghan regime as he also demanded the consolidation of the Taliban fighters into
the Afghan army and amnesty for them.
Taliban spokespersons were not immediately available for comments.
Omar, who has not been seen in public since being ousting from power by
U.S.-led troops in late 2001, had previously conditioned any talks with
President Hamid karzai's government with the pullout of more than 70,000-strong
international forces from Afghanistan.
With mediation of Saudi Arabian Kingdom, a meeting was held between Taliban
and pro-government figures including some Afghan parliamentarians in Riyadh some
three months ago.
President Karzai, besides appreciating the talks, called on Saudi Arabian
leader to play a role in strengthening security in Afghanistan.
Nevertheless, the fugitive Taliban chief, whose name is among the wanted
men by the United States, in the formula warned to intensify attacks on foreign
troops if the White House sends additional troops to Afghanistan.
NATO to mount pressure on Taliban in winter
KABUL, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is going to keep on pressure on Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan through the winter, deputy commander of the alliance forces in the post-Taliban country Lt General Jim Dutton said Wednesday. Full story
