Karzai calls on Taliban to join Loya Jirga

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Afghan President Hamid Karzai, the front-runner in the upcoming election, says he will call on the Taliban to join a national grand council, IF he is re-elected.

Hamid Karzai, Afghan President, said, "If I win the election, I will summon a national Loya Jirga from across Afghanistan and through the Loya Jirga, we will send invitations to our Taliban and HezbiIslami brothers to come and participate in the Loya Jirga and find the ways for peace and security and put an end to foreign' influence."

The Loya Jirga is a forum unique to Afghanistan where tribal elders of all ethnicities settle national affairs.

The push for talks with some factions of the Taliban has gained momentum in London and Washington. Karzai says he has asked Saudi Arabia for help to facilitate such talks.