Karzai says assembly will decide Afghan peace strategy

Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Monday he would let a traditional assembly, or loya jirga, decide the countrys peace strategy after the assassination of peace broker Burhanuddin Rabbani.Karzais comments came in a televised speech to the nation which did little to clear up confusion over his plans for rebuilding the peace process following Rabbanis killing by a turban bomber who was believed to be a Taliban envoy.The president has faced conflicting calls from supporters in recent days, some of whom have urged him to drop talks with the Taliban entirely and others saying they must continue.Although Karzai criticised Pakistan for playing a double game on terrorism in Afghanistan, he also stressed that negotiations should go through Islamabad in order to get to the Taliban.In a traditional loya jirga which will be held soon, the representatives of Afghanistan will be asked (about the situation) and we will do according to their wishes, Karzai said.A loya jirga has already been planned to discuss a strategic partnership agreement under negotiation with the US, which will outline the two countries relationship after foreign combat troops leave Afghanistan in 2014.The peace discussions will be held at that event, Karzai said, adding it would take place soon but giving no further details.There have only been two loya jirgas in Afghanistan since the US-led invasion in 2001. They bring together hundreds of tribal elders from around the country in order discuss issues of national significance.Karzai also condemned Pakistans double game on terrorism in Afghanistan. Many Afghans are suspicious of Pakistans connections to the Taliban-led insurgency in their country.