Obama, Karzai discuss situation in Afghan.

US President Barack Obama held a video conference with his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai during which they discussed the current security situation in Afghanistan and the progress in the reconciliation process with the Taliban. "President Karzai updated the President on the security situation in Afghanistan, which has calmed since the events of recent weeks. The two Presidents discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including US-Afghan Strategic Partnership negotiations; Afghan-led reconciliation; and regional matters," White House press secretary Jay Carney told reporters at his daily news conference. Obama and Karzai noted the progress toward concluding a Strategic Partnership that reinforces Afghan sovereignty while addressing the practical requirements of transition, Carney said, adding that Karzai also updated Obama on developments toward Afghan-led reconciliation talks.