Karzai renews call on Taliban to lay down weapons

Afghan President Hamid Karzai called on the Taliban and other extremist groups Friday to lay down their weapons and participate in rebuilding the battered country, as part of reconciliation efforts he has said will be his main objective during his second term. Karzai's appeal, made in a message marking the major Muslim holiday of Eid-ul-Azha, came two days after the reclusive Taliban leader, Mullah Omar, issued a statement ruling out talks with the president and calling on Afghans to break off relations with his "stooge" administration. The hard-line militia has long refused to negotiate with Karzai's government or join what it considers a puppet administration.