Karzai Forms High Council of Peace

President Karzai has formed a high council of peace to seek peace talks with the Taliban on Saturday, his office said

Members of the council are expected to be around 50 people and include members of civil society, women, and figures from the opposition and government.

The formation of the High Peace Council was "a significant step towards peace talks", a statement by Mr Karzai's office said.

Previous efforts to negotiate with the Taliban haven't been a success with the Taliban preconditioning the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan before any peace talks.

There are nearly 150,000 foreign troops currently stationed in Afghanistan and by pumping some 30,000 extra troops, the US has recently been boosting its presence in the country.

The High Peace Council will be the main strategy of President Karzai seeking peace with the Taliban.

Names of the members of the High Peace Council, which could include former insurgents, would be announced after the Eid, a three-day Muslim celebration marking the end of Ramadan, Presidential Office said.

The High Council of Peace will be independent to elect its own leader and deputy and determining tactics and approaches to make peace with the Taliban.