Door still open for talks with Taliban: Clinton

Washington, Mar 21: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the door was still open to peace talks with Afghanistan's Taliban so long as it renounces violence and distances itself from international terrorism.

"Any negotiation must require the Taliban to break ties with al-Qaeda, to renounce violence and to abide by Afghanistan's constitution, including the protections of women's and minority rights," Clinton said. "We've also made clear that the steps the Taliban must now take to advance the process -- they must make unambiguous statements distancing themselves from international terrorism and committing to a process that includes all Afghans," she told reporters during a joint press availability with the visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul.

"So the Taliban have their own choice to make, but let there be no doubt that the US is prepared to work with all Afghans who are committed to an inclusive reconciliation process that leads toward lasting security," Clinton said. She said if there are insurgents who have no interest in reconciliation, they will continue to face military pressure.

"We are not stopping our efforts to support the security of Afghanistan while we try to see whether there is an opportunity for negotiation. So really, at this point, the choice is up to them," she said. Clinton said the US is committed to supporting Afghan reconciliation.

"Our only goal is to open the door for Afghans to sit down with other Afghans and to work out the future for their country. Our position has been consistent. We have been clear about the necessary outcome," she added. "Reconciliation is going to be a very long-term process. There's nothing quick or easy about it, and I think both the minister and I know that you are going to have bumps in the road. But as I said at the outset, our role is to support the Afghans. It's Afghan-led; it's Afghan-owned," she said.

PTI