Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2009
Miliband Wants Talks With Taliban
After some of the bloodiest weeks in the Afghanistan conflict to date - with 20 UK troops killed this month alone - there has been a call to engage the insurgents in talks. The Foreign Secretary David Miliband wants the Afghan government to hold talks with elements of the Taliban.
Miliband Wants Talks With Taliban
After some of the bloodiest weeks in the Afghanistan conflict to date - with 20 UK troops killed this month alone - there has been a call to engage the insurgents in talks. The Foreign Secretary David Miliband wants the Afghan government to hold talks with elements of the Taliban.
25 October 2007
Brown Urges Sharing Of Afghan 'Burden'
Prime Minister Gordon has called upon the international community to share the "long-term burden" of the military campaign in Afghanistan.
Brown Urges Sharing Of Afghan 'Burden'
Prime Minister Gordon has called upon the international community to share the "long-term burden" of the military campaign in Afghanistan.
06 March 2007
Briton 'kidnapped' by Taliban in Afghanistan
A Briton has reportedly been kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan. According to reports, a Briton and two Afghans have been kidnapped in the Helmand province in the south of the country. Initial reports suggest that the group may be journalists. According to reports, the two Afghans are known to work as translators with western journalists.
Briton 'kidnapped' by Taliban in Afghanistan
A Briton has reportedly been kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan. According to reports, a Briton and two Afghans have been kidnapped in the Helmand province in the south of the country. Initial reports suggest that the group may be journalists. According to reports, the two Afghans are known to work as translators with western journalists.
14 April 2011
NATO Foreign Ministers Meet In Berlin
Over the next two days, Foreign Secretary William Hague is meeting with Foreign Ministers from the 27 other NATO countries and over 20 partner countries in Berlin. The UK and NATO are working with a broad range of partners to confront security challenges.
NATO Foreign Ministers Meet In Berlin
Over the next two days, Foreign Secretary William Hague is meeting with Foreign Ministers from the 27 other NATO countries and over 20 partner countries in Berlin. The UK and NATO are working with a broad range of partners to confront security challenges.
02 August 2010
More Soldiers Die In Afghanistan Conflict
Two more British troops have paid the ultimate price this past weekend after Taliban forces shot dead one British soldier and killed another in a bomb attack in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province.
More Soldiers Die In Afghanistan Conflict
Two more British troops have paid the ultimate price this past weekend after Taliban forces shot dead one British soldier and killed another in a bomb attack in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
