KABUL, March 19, 2009 (RFE/RL) -- Afghanistan's forum of tribal and political leaders, the National Peace Jirga, has called for talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan (RFA) reports.
The Jirga also said that Taliban representatives should take part in the presidential election scheduled for August 29 this year.
Jirga spokesman Nasim Gul Totakhil said on March 19 in Kabul that the Taliban's participation in the election is crucial to boost security and stability in the country.
Totakhil said that ignoring the Taliban would damage Afghanistan's future security.
He added that the National Peace Jirga is ready to facilitate negotiations between Afghan authorities and Taliban leaders.
The Jirga also said that Taliban representatives should take part in the presidential election scheduled for August 29 this year.
Jirga spokesman Nasim Gul Totakhil said on March 19 in Kabul that the Taliban's participation in the election is crucial to boost security and stability in the country.
Totakhil said that ignoring the Taliban would damage Afghanistan's future security.
He added that the National Peace Jirga is ready to facilitate negotiations between Afghan authorities and Taliban leaders.