November 17, 2008	Monday	Ziqa'ad 18, 1429

KABUL, Nov 16: Afghan President Hamid Karzai offered on Sunday to provide security to the reclusive leader of Taliban if he agreed to enter peace talks, and suggested that the US and other western nations could leave the country or oust him if they disagreed.

Karzai’s comments come as international political and military leaders are increasingly mulling whether negotiating with the Taliban is necessary as the insurgency gains sway in large areas of Afghanistan.

Karzai has long supported drawing the militia into the political mainstream on the condition that they accept the country’s constitution.

“If I say I want protection for Mullah Omar, the international community has two choices, remove me or leave if they disagree,” Karzai said in an hour-long news conference in Kabul.

“If I am removed in the cause of peace for Afghanistan by force by them, then I will be very happy. If they disagree, they can leave. But we are not in that stage yet,” Karzai remarked.

Omar headed the government toppled by the US-led invasion in 2001. Since then, he has been in hiding but is believed to be running the insurgency.

Previously, Karzai has said that Omar lives in Pakistan, an allegation dismissed by Pakistani officials.

In September, Taliban members met Afghan and Pakistani officials during a dinner hosted by Saudi Arabia’s king, but there were no concrete results from the meeting.

“If I hear from (Mullah Omar) that he is willing to come to Afghanistan or to negotiate for peace and for the well-being of the Afghans so that our children are not killed anymore, I as a president of Afghanistan will go to any length to provide protection,” Karzai said.

Omar has not directly responded to these calls, but spokesmen associated with the Taliban have previously said their participation in any talks depended on the withdrawal of US and other foreign troops from the country.

Karzai dismissed that, saying foreign troops were necessary for Afghanistan’s security.—AP