NATO backs Taliban talks, vows no halt to military action

[ErnstBlofeld]

AP via Yahoo News:

NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Thursday said the alliance was ready to support possible peace talks with the Taliban but ruled out halting military operations against the Afghan insurgency.

While the NATO-led force was willing to provide "practical assistance" for reconciliation efforts, "we should continue our military operations" against the Taliban, Rasmussen told a news conference.

Talks with the insurgents must be led by the Afghan government "but our position is if we can facilitate this process through practical assistance then why not?" said the NATO secretary general, without providing further details.

Afghan officials Thursday requested NATO's support in clearing the way for a new peace initiative with the Taliban, including by halting military operations in areas where reconciliation talks could take place.

Asked if NATO was ready to meet Kabul's request, Rasmussen said: "No, I think we should continue our military operations. I do believe the best way to facilitate reconciliation and reintegration is to keep up the military pressure on the Taliban."