Pakistan could foster Afghan cease-fire

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, July 10 (UPI) -- Pakistan's military has the ability to broker cease-fire negotiations between Taliban leaders in Afghanistan and the United States, a military spokesman says.

In an exclusive interview, Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas confirmed to CNN that his country's military has ongoing communication with the Taliban forces that have been launching attacks against U.S. troops in neighboring Afghanistan.

He added such communication would allow them to set up talks between the two sides.

"I think that can be worked out," Abbas said. "That is possible."

Abbas says Pakistan wants concessions from Washington in return for bringing Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar and other commanders to the negotiating table.

Senior U.S. officials have told CNN the Obama administration is willing to talk to top Taliban leaders. They have also indicated the United States is open to raising some of Pakistan's concerns with its longtime rival India.