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01/07/2010
No Peace Talks Says 'Victorious' Taliban
A Taliban statement rejected peace moves has been today described as "uncompromising, almost contemptuous".
The Taliban in Afghanistan have told the BBC that there is "no question" of their entering into any kind of negotiations with Nato forces - as they say they are winning the war.
The move comes after US commanders and the British Army Chief of Staff, Gen David Richards, suggested that it might be useful to talk to the Taliban.
The insurgents think that the Americans are in disarray after the sacking of the Nato commander Gen Stanley McChrystal last week, and regard any suggestion that they should enter negotiations with them as a sign of Nato's own weakness.
They believe they are winning the war, and cannot see why they should help Nato by talking to them.
In June, they point out, has seen the highest number of Nato deaths in Afghanistan: 102, an average of more than three a day.
An acknowledged spokesman for the Afghan Taliban leadership told the BBC: "We do not want to talk to anyone - not to [President Hamid] Karzai, nor to any foreigners - till the foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan.
"We are certain that we are winning. Why should we talk if we have the upper hand, and the foreign troops are considering withdrawal, and there are differences in the ranks of our enemies?"
(BMcC/GK)
The Taliban in Afghanistan have told the BBC that there is "no question" of their entering into any kind of negotiations with Nato forces - as they say they are winning the war.
The move comes after US commanders and the British Army Chief of Staff, Gen David Richards, suggested that it might be useful to talk to the Taliban.
The insurgents think that the Americans are in disarray after the sacking of the Nato commander Gen Stanley McChrystal last week, and regard any suggestion that they should enter negotiations with them as a sign of Nato's own weakness.
They believe they are winning the war, and cannot see why they should help Nato by talking to them.
In June, they point out, has seen the highest number of Nato deaths in Afghanistan: 102, an average of more than three a day.
An acknowledged spokesman for the Afghan Taliban leadership told the BBC: "We do not want to talk to anyone - not to [President Hamid] Karzai, nor to any foreigners - till the foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan.
"We are certain that we are winning. Why should we talk if we have the upper hand, and the foreign troops are considering withdrawal, and there are differences in the ranks of our enemies?"
(BMcC/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
