German defense minister hails peace talks with Taliban

Germany’s Defense Minister, Thomas de Maiziere, has welcomed peace talks with the Taliban. “However, there is a prerequisite for that. The radical rebels must recognize the Constitution (of Afghanistan) and distance themselves from the Al-Qaeda terrorist network,” the German defense minister said in Heart. He had arrived in Afghanistan on an undeclared visit earlier in the day. Thomas de Maiziere met with his Afghan and Italian counterparts Bismillah Khan Mohammadi and Mario Mauro. “To each one who is capable of promoting a peace settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan we say, ‘You are welcome’,” Thomas de Maiziere said. However, first and foremost such talks must be determined by the benchmarks of a legitimate Afghan government.” The German defense minister asked all parties to display common sense and prudence,” he said. “Moreover, negotiations are conducted in the best and most successful way when they are not talked too much in public.”