WASHINGTON, May 13 (UPI) -- The Afghan government will make room for women leaders to take a stronger role in the political process, the Afghan president said in Washington.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai arrived this week in Washington ahead of a tribal council meeting aimed at outlining a reintegration and reconciliation process. His visit comes during a low point in bilateral relations, though much of his visit focused on fence-mending efforts.
Karzai met late Wednesday with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to discuss reconciliation efforts and the role of women in the Afghan government.
Pelosi, who returned this week from a trip to Kabul, called on the Afghan president to expand the role of women in the Afghan political process.
"We want to see many more women involved in building consensus in the jirga on how we go forward and possible reintegration or reconciliation," she said.
Karzai told the speaker that his government made sure there were additional seats for women in the upcoming tribal council meeting.
Karzai on Thursday toured Arlington National Cemetery with U.S. military leaders.
