LONDON (PAN): Word leaders meeting in London at a crucial conference on Afghanistan's future backed President Hamid Karzai's plan to reintegrate Taliban willing to 'cut ties with al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups and pursue their political goals peacefully.'

The world powers also agreed on an exit timetable for international forces from Afghanistan by handing over control of security in some provinces by the end of this year or early 2011.
According to a draft communique drawn up by the participants here on Thursday, the document offered support and funding for President Hamid Karzai's scheme aimed at wooing moderate Taliban insurgents for their reintegration into the national mainstream, including holding a Loya Jirga to invite the extremists to peace talks later this year.
Opening the 70-nation conference, Karzai said Afghanistan and its Western supporters must 'reach out to all of our countrymen, especially our disenchanted brothers who are not part of Al-Qaeda.'
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the London meeting marked "the beginning of the transition process" under which responsibility for security will gradually be transferred to Afghan control.
Afghan forces will take control of security "as rapidly as possible and some provinces could move to local control 'by late 2010/early 2011' providing certain conditions are met, the draft communique said.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also stressed that Afghans and extremists needed to understand the handover was "not an exit strategy".
The draft communique also welcomed Karzai's plans to offer what it called 'an honourable place in society to those willing to renounce violence', which would involve giving jobs to lower-level Taliban fighters to give up arms through a fund believed to be worth around 500 million dollars.
In his opening address, Karzai said he would establish a national council for peace, reconciliation and reintegration and call a "peace jirga", or traditional gathering of Afghans.
Karzai also called for Saudi King Abdullah to play a role, adding: "We ask all neighbours, particularly Pakistan, to support our peace and reconciliation endeavours."
Iran was the most notable absentee from the conference, with Britain accusing Tehran of missing an opportunity to play a constructive role.
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan welcomed the conference's focus on peace and reconciliation, but dozens of Afghan protesters outside the conference were less sure.
The Afghan president wants to shore up foreign backing for his troubled presidency, promising to let international experts in for an effective corruption audit, according to the draft conclusions.
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