“The preparations for negotiations are going on a daily basis,” [Karzai] added. “Our envoys have traveled many times to Saudi Arabia and to Pakistan, but the discussions have not started and nothing has been done yet. If any negotiation happens, it should be inside our country.”
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Mr. Karzai said he had urged the Taliban leaders to “come back to your country and work for your people’s happiness and stop killing and harming people.” He added what sounded like an admonition to the government’s Western allies, saying he would personally protect militant leaders from NATO troops if they agreed to talk. “Don’t be afraid of the foreigners,” he said. “If they try to harm you, I will stand in front of them.”