<p>Although diplomats and officials say the talks are at a very early stage, Karzai's remarks highlight the increasing focus on finding a political settlement in Afghanistan as foreign combat troops prepare to pull out by 2014.<br /><br />"Talks with the Taliban have started... the talks are going on well," Karzai said, addressing a conference in Kabul.<br /><br />"Also foreign forces, especially the United States, are carrying out the talks themselves."<br />But the problems facing any efforts to end the conflict were thrown into sharp focus hours later when militants launched a coordinated attack on a police station in central Kabul, which sources said left at least two people dead.<br /><br />Afghan attempts to pursue talks with the Taliban have been public for months.<br />Karzai last year set up a High Council for Peace to look at the issue, which visited neighbouring Pakistan -- seen as key to establishing communication channels -- last week.<br /><br />But Western officials are more tight-lipped about any conciliatory moves from their side.<br />The US embassy in Kabul did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Karzai's remarks.<br /><br />Secretary of State Hillary Clinton earlier this year called on Taliban members to split from Al-Qaeda, renounce violence and accept the constitution so they can be re-integrated into society</p>
<p>Although diplomats and officials say the talks are at a very early stage, Karzai's remarks highlight the increasing focus on finding a political settlement in Afghanistan as foreign combat troops prepare to pull out by 2014.<br /><br />"Talks with the Taliban have started... the talks are going on well," Karzai said, addressing a conference in Kabul.<br /><br />"Also foreign forces, especially the United States, are carrying out the talks themselves."<br />But the problems facing any efforts to end the conflict were thrown into sharp focus hours later when militants launched a coordinated attack on a police station in central Kabul, which sources said left at least two people dead.<br /><br />Afghan attempts to pursue talks with the Taliban have been public for months.<br />Karzai last year set up a High Council for Peace to look at the issue, which visited neighbouring Pakistan -- seen as key to establishing communication channels -- last week.<br /><br />But Western officials are more tight-lipped about any conciliatory moves from their side.<br />The US embassy in Kabul did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Karzai's remarks.<br /><br />Secretary of State Hillary Clinton earlier this year called on Taliban members to split from Al-Qaeda, renounce violence and accept the constitution so they can be re-integrated into society</p>