Gilani to visit Qatar next week for Afghan peace talks

Middle East Star (ANI) Saturday 4th February, 2012

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will explain his country's stance on the issue of peace talks with the Afghan Taliban during hid visit to Qatar next week to meet the Gulf state's leaders, a government spokesman has said.

Last month, the Afghan Taliban announced they would set up a political office in Qatar, a major development in a peace process that has already been marked by setbacks and mistrust among the central players.

"Our prime minister will have discussions in this connection with the Qatar leadership. He will also inform them that what is the Pakistani perspective in this situation," The Dawn quoted foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit, as saying.

Pakistan is an important player in moves to end the 10-year-old war in Afghanistan because many of the leaders of the insurgency are said to be sheltering on its territory.

The country's security forces are alleged to have links with the militants that could be useful in bringing them to the negotiating table. (ANI)