Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Xinhua
Speaking at a meeting of the Special Representatives for Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP) opened by Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini here on Monday, Holbrooke said "there is room for anyone who wishes to reconcile," under "well-defined conditions". These conditions, he added, included severing any and all ties with the al-Qaida terrorist network, laying down all weapons and recognising Afghanistan's constitution, including its guarantee of minority rights, according to the ANSA news agency. "This is not a war which can be won by arms alone," Holbrooke said. In regard to contacts between the rebel Taliban forces and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Holbrooke said "we support the process of Afghan reconciliation, but it is of no use to speculate on the progress of these talks."
Holbrooke also said "Iran has a role to play for a peaceful solution. The United states has no problems with sitting down at the same table with Iran." "This meeting is about Afghanistan and what takes place here has no bearing on our bilateral relations with Iran," the U.S. envoy added. Aomng the meeting's attendees were Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul, U.S. General David Petraeus who is the commander of NATO's ISAF mission, Staffan De Mistura who is the special representative of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and Iran's representative Seyed Mohammed al Hossaini. Related: Special meeting on Afghanistan held in Rome ROME, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini on Monday opened a meeting of the Special Representatives for Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP), a prelude to next month's NATO summit in Lisbon. According to ANSA news agency, the meeting in Rome was called to review progress made in achieving the stability needed "to guarantee democracy and development in the region," with special attention paid to the transfer of control of Afghanistan to local authorities. Full story Special Report: Afghanistan Situation
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Looking ahead to next month's NATO summit in Lisbon, Holbrooke said "no specific announcement will be made there concerning the number of provinces which will be categorised as being 'in transition', a classification which will be of the utmost importance."
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