Mullah Omar Can Run for Presidency in Afghanistan

Afghan President Hamid Karzai urged on Thursday Taliban Chief Mullah Omar to give up fighting in the country, in return for the chance to run as a president. 

“I repeat my call on all Afghans, those who aren’t the puppets of others and have (only) issues with us at home — they’re welcome for any talks,” Karzai told a news conference.

“Mullah Mohammad Omar can come inside Afghanistan anywhere he wants to. He can open political office for himself but he should leave the gun.”

“He along with his friends can come and create his political party, do politics, become a candidate himself for the elections. If people voted for him, good for him, he can take the leadership in his hand,” Karzai added.

Mullah Omar, the one-eyed Taliban leader who has been on run since the United States toppled his regime in late 2001, is one of the world’s most wanted men and is fighting against Karzai rule.

Karzai has repeatedly called on Omar and other militants fighting against his administration to renounce violence and accept peaceful reintegration.

The Taliban have repeatedly turned down Karzai’s peace offers and earlier this year withdrew from exploratory talks with the United States in Qatar.