Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai will meet with King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Wednesday to hold discussions on a wide-range of issues, including security and peace initiatives in that war-torn nation and ways to enhance relations between Kabul and Riyadh. Karzai also called on Taliban Sunday to drop their demand that US and NATO forces withdraw from Afghanistan before peace talks can be held, saying talks would make it easier for troops to leave. The Afghan president is expected to brief the King on last week's conference on Afghanistan in London, that was held to find ways to being stability to the country. The two leaders are also expected to discuss ways to increase cooperation between the two nations in terms of trade and economic relations. The Afghan ambassador to Riyadh, Aziz Karzai, said the meeting is one of a series that the Afghan leadership will hold to discuss regional and international developments. The envoy said that the Afghan president was keen to visit Riyadh directly after the London Conference to inform the King about Kabul's effort to reconcile with all groups within the country, including the Taliban. He will also brief the King on the new framework, agreed upon with the international community, regarding support to the Afghan government for reconstruction and preventing terrorism and extremism. The Afghan president will also use the opportunity to outline the progress made thus far in talks with various groups, including the “positive response” from moderate Taliban leaders. The ambassador said that the Afghan president will inform the King that some Taliban members respect the constitution and want to renounce violence and engage in dialogue. However, he will also indicate that the Afghan government will not hold talks with those who carry weapons and continue to carry out terrorist acts, whether they are Taliban or Al-Qaeda members. Karzai, in a speech delivered at the London conference, stressed that the Kingdom could play an important role to achieve Afghani national reconciliation and to bring stability and peace to the country. However, during the same event, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saud Al-Faisal, said that the Kingdom would not play a role in peace efforts unless the Taliban stops providing a safe haven for Osama Bin Laden and that it severs its relations with extremist networks. Karzai will be accompanied by a high-level delegation. He will perform Umrah next Wednesday before he heads to Riyadh.
