Afghan politicians call for direct talks with Taliban

Afghan politicians have called for direct talks with Taliban fighters and an end to military operations by international forces unless they first come under attack.

In a new draft law, which was passed yesterday by a voice vote in the upper house of parliament, they said a differentiation must be made between Afghan Taliban, Pakistani Taliban and al-Qaida fighters, and that negotiations should be held with Taliban militants from Afghanistan to persuade them to accept the Afghan government.