Afghanistan, Pakistan To Discuss Local Jirgas

Afghan and Pakistani officials start talks today on holding traditional councils. The two sides agreed last year to hold jirgas -- traditional meetings -- in tribal areas of Pakistan that are believed to be militant strongholds.

Afghan officials say Taliban militants plot attacks on Afghanistan from such tribal areas.

The twodays of talks in Islamabad are expected to focus on who should take part in such jirgas and their agendas.

The meeting comes after U.S. President George W. Bush asked Congress on March 9 for additional funds to send 3,500 new U.S. troops to expand training of local police and army units in Afghanistan.

Copyright (c) 2006. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org

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