London, January 29: A controversial plan to “buy off” moderate Taliban elements and open talks with the organisation’s leadership was endorsed last night by a landmark international conference in London on the future of Afghanistan.
Foreign ministers from 60 countries agreed to launch a £86m “trust fund” to boost peace, reconciliation and re-integration in Afghanistan. The decision represents a significant change of strategy, notably by Washington, towards engaging the Taliban with a view to a negotiated political settlement. Britain will contribute about £3m.
Although the ministers denied trying to “bribe” the Taliban forces their troops are fighting, the money will fund jobs, housing and agricultural projects to lure rank and file fighters for whom payments offered by the Taliban offer the best economic hope.
–Agencies