Karzai: Rabbani was 'martyr' for peace

KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Security was tight Friday at Kabul's presidential palace where Afghan President Hamid Karzai joined others at the funeral of the slain Burhanuddin Rabbani.

Rabbani, a former Afghan president and the country's head of the High Peace Council charged with negotiating peace with the Taliban, was assassinated Tuesday by a suicide bomber.

Mourners offered their respects at the flag-draped coffin of Rabbani, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The Times report said security was extremely tight with Afghan police and security forces in armored vehicles patrolling the streets, various checkpoints and traffic circles while helicopters provided air security. Only pedestrians were allowed in much of the city center.

Rabbani, who was president from 1992 to 1996, was killed in his Kabul home. His killer, who said he was carrying a peace message from the Taliban leadership, had hidden the bomb in his turban. Many experts have said Rabbani's death is a blow to the peace process.

Karzai called Rabbani a "martyr" to the cause of peace, the Times reported.

Iran's Press TV quoted Karzai as vowing the peace process would continue.

There had been no claim of responsibility for the Rabbani killing.