Afghan peace talks on track

The Taleban authorities in Afghanistan have been setting out their views on how a joint commission of Muslim scholars might resolve the crisis in the country.

A Taleban spokesman called for all the members of the opposition alliance to declare that they would respect any decisions made by the scholars.

The spokesman said the talks should be based on Islamic principles rather than politics.

But he said the Taleban regarded plans to convene the council as an important step forward, and that it would not make any further demands or set preconditions for the talks.

The BBC Kabul correspondent says that although many ordinary Afghans wonder how committed the two sides are to the initiative, it comes at a time when the climate for peace in Afghanistan is slightly improved.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service