DHAKA: The leader of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Mohammed Omar, has backed peace talks with the Afghan government, in a statement released to the media.

A message, marking the festival of Eid al-Fitr, made no direct reference to the talks but said Islam did not bar ‘peaceful interaction’ with enemies.

Afghan government officials last week met Taliban representatives in negotiations brokered by Pakistan.

The Taliban have stepped up attacks on Afghan security forces.

Nato concluded its combat mission in Afghanistan last December, replacing it with a smaller deployment intended to train Afghan security forces until 2016.

Pakistan last week hosted the first formal face-to-face negotiations between Taliban representatives and the Afghan government.

The statement by Mullah Omar ends speculation that the reclusive Taliban leader had not authorized the latest talks.

BDST: 1826 HRS, JULY 15, 2015
RR