Afghan peace bids figure up in PM's Qatar talks

Gilani, during meeting with the emir, focused on Afghan peace efforts and bilateral relations, reports said.PM Gilani arrived in Doha Monday on a three-day trip that will also address bilateral relations between the two nations, according to official statements.The oil-rich Gulf state has played a critical role in promoting Afghan peace talks and provided a venue for preliminary contacts between the Taliban and US officials.Pakistan, which last week sought to reach out to Afghanistan following a period of particularly bad relations over violence plaguing both countries, insists that any process to end the 10-year war be Afghan-led.Islamabad has officially billed Gilanis visit to Qatar as an opportunity to boost ties and maximise trade.But a senior Pakistani official has told AFP that the ministers talks will certainly cover issues related to Afghan reconciliation.An official Qatari statement said Tuesdays talks covered ways of boosting bilateral cooperation between the two countries.The Taliban confirmed last month that they planned to set up a political office in Qatar ahead of possible talks with the United States. Contacts between both sides have already begun, focused on a possible prisoner exchange.Pakistans role in Afghanistan is regarded with deep suspicion in Western capitals, given its long-standing ties to the Taliban, Haqqani network and other Islamist fighters, whose leaders are based in Pakistan.But for the same reason, no peace in Afghanistan will be considered lasting without Pakistans support and involvement.--Agencies