Turkey consider hosting Taliban office: diplomat

ANKARA: Turkey may agree to hosting a Taliban office to help reconciliation efforts in conflict-torn Afghanistan, a senior Turkish diplomat said on Tuesday.

"We have always said that Turkey is ready to do anything to contribute to peace efforts in Afghanistan.

If such a request is made, we will review it and make a decision," the diplomat, who requested anonymity, told AFP.

questioned on the issue during a visit to Hungary Monday, said that, "Turkey will do its best if such a demand is made".

During a visit to Istanbul in December, Afghan President Hamid Karzai spoke of suggestions that the Taliban open a representation office in Turkey or another impartial country "to facilitate reconciliation" in Afghanistan, saying he would be happy if Turkey could provide such a venue.

There are around 140,000 international troops in Afghanistan, including a Turkish contingent.

They are due to start limited withdrawals from July with the Afghan police and army scheduled to take full control of security by 2014.