Obama regrets Afghan civilian losses

WASHINGTON, June 8 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama voiced regret for civilian deaths in Afghanistan to Afghan President Hamid Karzai Wednesday, the White House said.

The two leaders spoke for about 90 minutes by video teleconference and "agreed that every loss of civilian life is a tragedy and undermines our mission that focuses on protecting the population," Obama press secretary Jay Carney said.

"The president expressed his sorrow over tragic civilian casualties, most recently in Helmand province," Carney said. "Both leaders noted that the Taliban are responsible for the great majority of civilian losses, and agreed that every loss of civilian life is a tragedy and undermines our mission that focuses on protecting the population."

Carney said Obama and Karzai "agreed to maintain their close consultations going forward."

Karzai has been increasingly critical of NATO raids that kill non-combatants. The White House said both presidents agreed the Taliban are to blame for most of the carnage.

Obama and Karzai also discussed "the impact of the death of Osama bin Laden on the fight against terrorism and on regional dynamics, their shared commitment to Afghan-led reconciliation … and transition to Afghan leadership for security," the White House said.

Carney said Obama and Karzai also talked about "the process of transition to an Afghan lead" in military operations but did not discuss specific numbers of U.S. troop withdrawals that could begin next month.

"As you know, and it remains the case, the president has not made a decision yet about the pace and scope [of troop withdrawals]," Carney said. "He's obviously going to be having discussions with his team in the coming days and weeks about that matter and will make his decision soon, as he said the other day."