The hard-line militia has long refused to negotiate with Karzai’s government or join what it considers a puppet administration.
“From the Taliban, from Hezb-e-Islami and all our other brothers who stand armed against their country, I hope that for the peace, stability, and development of their country, they come back to their homeland, their families,’’ Karzai said. Hezb-e-Islami is a militant Islamic faction led by warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.
Asked about Omar’s message, which was posted Wednesday on a website used by the Taliban, Karzai reiterated a commitment to talks.
“We will continue to invite them until peace and stability come to this country,’’ he said.
The United States has said in the past that while hard-line Taliban fighters must be defeated, there should be a reconciliation process for those who renounce violence.
The need for talks with the militant group is recognized across the international community, but the conditions attached to such proposals - and the timing of any negotiations - are an issue of contention.
In his Eid message, Karzai reiterated a call to his main rival during the fraud-marred presidential election, Abdullah Abdullah, to join in helping the country, although he stopped short of inviting him into the government.
