Pakistan calls on Taliban to join reconciliations processFebruary 21, 2012 - 20:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Pakistan on Friday, February 24 formally called on Islamic militants in Afghanistan to shun violence and join the national reconciliation process. As M&C reported, citing DPA, the appeal was made by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in response to a request by Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday. “It is now time to turn a new leaf and open a new chapter in the history of Afghanistan,” Gilani said in a statement. The statement marks a departure for Pakistan, which has shown limited support for Karzai's government, and has long-standing ties to the Taliban. Islamabad is believed to wield influence over the Islamic rebels fighting the international and Afghan troops from sanctuaries over the border in Pakistan. The links date back to 1990s when Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence spy agency, supported by the United States, trained and equipped Taliban fighters to take over Kabul. Observers have also said that Karzai's increasing mistrust of the US and deteriorating relations between Washington and Islamabad may have contributed to drawing the Afghan and Pakistani administrations closer together. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |