US backs talks with some Afghan rebels: ambassador

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

KABUL (AFP) — The US ambassador in Kabul said Thursday that Washington backed the Afghan government's efforts to reconcile with Taliban and other rebels without power-sharing or ceding control of certain areas.

There is mounting debate in Afghan political circles and media about peace talks with militants, notably former prime minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of the radical Hezb-i-Islami faction.

The United States supported Kabul's peace talks with rebels who were not guilty of the "most serious crimes" and willing to accept the government and rule of law, ambassador William Wood told reporters.

However, he added: "We don't believe and I don't think the government itself has any interest in allowing anybody to shoot his way into preferred status, either...