Afghan President Hamid Karzai has formed a committee to seek peace talks with the Taliban, his office has said.

It comes after a plan to engage militants in a reconciliation process was endorsed by tribal leaders in June.

For the past nine years, the Taliban have been fighting to overthrow the US-backed government and expel the 130,000 foreign troops there.

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

The US has previously expressed its support for moves to bring Taliban fighters who renounce violence into the political process.

AFP news agency quoted Mr Karzai`s office as saying details of members of the council, which could include former insurgents, will be announced next week.

BDST: 1854 HRS, September 4, 2010