November 18, 2008	Tuesday	Ziqa'ad 19, 1429

WASHINGTON, Nov 17: The White House says it has seen no positive signs of progress from Mullah Mohammad Omar and the many Taliban he leads after an offer of reconciliation made by Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

“We’re not seeing any indication from Mullah Omar that he is ready to renounce violence, break all ties to Al Qaeda and support the Afghan government and constitution,” said Gordon Johndroe, a White House spokesman.

“No one has heard from Mullah Omar in some time, and given attacks like last week’s when some Taliban threw acid on girls going to school, many don’t seem to show a willingness to negotiate,” he said.

While “we’re hopeful that reconcilable Taliban will lay down their arms and choose to play a productive part in Afghan society ... sadly, so far, they continue to attack innocent civilians and coalition forces on a regular basis,” he said.

Karzai said on Sunday he would go to “any length” to protect the fugitive leader of the Taliban militia, Mullah Omar in exchange for peace.

The Afghan president told reporters he would offer the protection even if it meant defying Afghanistan’s international partners, who could remove him from his job or leave the country in disagreement.

Time not right for talks

Meanwhile, US military chief Michael Mullen said on Monday that conditions were not right yet for talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Holding negotiations with the Taliban should be part of a long-term strategy at an appropriate time but “at least in my perspective, we’re not there yet,” Adm Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a news conference.—AFP