US favors pak-iran efforts for afghan settlement

islamabad, april 24, irna - The u.s assistant secretary of state kar inderfurth said washington favors the recently launched joint efforts of pakistan and iran for settlement of afghanistan problem. pakistani press quoted the u.s official on monday as saying that his country had supported the efforts made for afghan peace under the six plus two arrangement as well as the initiative of the japanese government, cyprus drive and the united nations efforts. he said the united states wanted a broad-based government, 'not only representing taliban but all the ethnic groups of afghanistan.' inderfurth said the united states believed that pakistan did not have control over taliban, who are as much independent as other afghans. however, he said, islamabad could use its good books to convince taliban to hold talks with all the ethnic minorities of afghanistan. regarding the sanctions on taliban, inderfurth said these restrictions could be eased if taliban agreed to bring osama bin laden to justice. however, he warned of more 'measures' if taliban did not comply with the decision of the un security council.