Miliband calls on Afghan authorities to talk with ‘moderate’ Taliban; Karzai: Peace process with Taliban “will ensure peace and stability”; Truce agreement entered into with Taliban in Badghis ahead of August 20 poll
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    • British Foreign Secretary David Miliband in a speech at NATO headquarters urged the Afghan government to talk to moderate members of the Taliban and include them in a broad-based political coalition in an effort to bring stability to the country. Mr. Miliband made these comments even as the first phase of the combined UK-US offensive in southern Afghanistan – ‘Operation Panther’s Claw’, came to an end. He noted that the operation had resulted in a “heavy toll” for coalition forces but added that “significant gains” had been made. The Foreign Secretary reiterated that a viable political solution, alongside the military offensive, was essential to securing Afghanistan's future1.

    President Karzai on his part, welcoming Mr. Miliband’s comments, stated that peace process with the Taliban “will ensure peace and stability and such efforts are part of our government's strategy2."

    Reports meanwhile noted that the Afghan government has entered into a truce agreement with the Taliban insurgents in the north-western province of Badghis ahead of the August 20 presidential elections. Afghan officials stated that the Taliban have pledged not to attack voting centres and hand over control of key areas to government forces3.

    The US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Holbrooke stated on July 29 that a ‘perfect’ election may not be possible given the current security situation in the country. He was speaking to reporters in Washington after returning from a visit to the region. Mr. Holbrooke met with three main presidential candidates during his visit4.

    In other developments, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan stated that there has been a 24 percent rise in civilian death toll in the country in the current year. 1,013 civilians lost their lives in air strikes, car bombs and suicide attacks in the period from January-June, compared with 818 in the first half of 2008 and 684 in the same period in 2007. Releasing the report, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay urged that it was critical for authorities to take steps to shield the Afghan civilian population from the conflict. The report blamed Taliban insurgents for nearly 60 per cent of civilian deaths due to roadside bombs while the Afghan government and coalition forces were held responsible for deaths that occurred due to errant air strikes5.

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