10:30/24:01:2010

The Afghan-led effort was supported by the international community, which earlier had reservations about the reconciliation process, he claimed. "But now they understand its significance."

Under the ambitious scheme, the government would offer cash and resettlement facilities to the insurgents who renounce violence and join the national mainstream. A fund may be created to realize the objective

Commenting on the removal of some names from the United Nations Security Council's blacklist, Karzai said there were two dimensions -- Afghan and international -- to the complicated issue.

"Eng. Gulbadin Hekmatyar and Mullah Omar are the Afghans involved in the country's problems and we should persuade them to abandon violence," the president observed.

About the international aspect, he said they would try to resolve the row in collaboration with the global fraternity. "We will continue our efforts for peace until we reach an outcome acceptable to all."

Using the opportunity, he said, Afghan delegates would meet officials from Pakistan , Saudi Arabia , the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Iran on increased regional cooperation.

He believed that the political scenario in the region was more favorable than ever before, because Afghanistan and Pakistan were facing a common enemy.

"Over the next three years, Afghan forces will be able to conduct and lead counterinsurgency operations in the country," he hoped.

The president would stress that 50 percent of international aid for economic uplift should be made part of the government's budget.

Agriculture and power issues are also included in the strategy. "We have a firm stance and are optimistic to achieve good results from the London conference," he concluded.