Afghan leader: Peace main task after poll

AFGHANISTAN: President Hamid Karzai said on Saturday he would redouble his efforts towards achieving peace in Afghanistan if he is re-elected later this month.

Former Taliban officials have been trying to mediate between Karzai and the insurgents since late last year, but the prospect of peace talks has gained new impetus under U.S. President Barack Obama and with Afghanistan's Aug. 20 ballot looming.

"Our happiness and grievances have been mixed. Terrorism still harms us, the killing of humans and the destruction of this land is still going on," Karzai told a rally of several thousand followers in Kayan, a valley in Afghanistan's mountainous north. "After succeeding through your votes, the start of my first day of work will be to intensify the efforts for peace in this land," Karzai told the people in Kayan.

One option could be to speak directly to the Taliban. Karzai's government said in April it has been in touch with opposition forces, while former Taliban officials have been attempting to mediate between the two sides since late last year.

The Taliban has repeatedly rejected Karzai's peace overtures, saying talks can only take place once all foreign troops have left Afghanistan.

Kayan, Sunday, Reuters