Taliban deny plans for talks in Riyadh

KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- There are no plans for peace negotiations with Afghan leaders in Saudi Arabia, a spokesman for the Taliban in Afghanistan said.

Reports this week suggested Afghan President Hamid Karzai was to meet with Taliban leaders during meetings in Saudi Arabia. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban in Afghanistan, said the allegations weren't true, however.

"We see Saudi Arabia with respect, because it is the center of Islam," he was quoted by the BBC as saying in a statement. "However, as it was reported in media that the representatives of the (Taliban) will meet with the Afghan government delegation, that is not true."

Karzai had said he was willing to have negotiations with some Taliban as part of a national reconciliation process. Reports this week on the possible Saudi meetings viewed the talks as a breakthrough as Taliban don't recognize the legitimacy of the Karzai government.

Taliban members announced plans to set up a political liaison office in Qatar to serve as a headquarters for negotiations on reconciliation. Washington said it supports the broader efforts so long as the Taliban honor the spirit of the Afghan Constitution and renounce violence.