Islamabad, Kabul to resume talks

COLOMBO (Agencies) - Afghanistan accepted Pakistan’s offer on Sunday to resume talks which the Kabul government had boycotted after accusing its neighbour of being behind a series of attacks.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani talked on the sidelines of regional summit in Colombo on Sunday, their first meeting since July 15.

“At the suggestion of Pakistan, the Afghan side agreed to re-engage on all bilateral and multilateral forums,” a presidential palace statement said.

They agreed the two governments needed to develop a common strategy to overcome the threat of terrorism and extremism. The two foreign ministers will meet soon, it said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan sought evidence from Afghanistan relating to Kabul's allegations involving Pakistan in Indian embassy bombing but the Afghan President Hamid Karzai failed to present any proof in this regard.

The evidence was sought by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani during a meeting with Hamid Karzai who had invited the former at breakfast here at a local hotel.

Gilani discussed regional situation, war against terrorism and bilateral relations with the Afghan leader in the meeting. The two leaders also discussed the confidence-building measures between the two countries.

According to the sources and a private TV channel, the two leaders also talked about allegations levelled after the embassy bombing. They agreed that both countries were victims of terrorism. Gilani observed that the situation in Afghanistan also affects Pakistan so the peace in Afghanistan is in the best interest of Pakistan. He also urged the Afghan leader to avoid issuing statements against Pakistan.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Gilani said that his talks with the Afghan President were fruitful and constructive and both the countries agreed on keeping the contacts continued. The Prime Minister said Pakistan is trying its level best to maintain friendly and close relations with Afghanistan so that both countries could defeat terrorism jointly.