Karzai says there have not yet been any negotiations—only requests for help. But he says Afghan officials have traveled to both Saudi Arabia and to Pakistan in hopes of ending the conflict.

Karzai says his government is trying to encourage militants to lay down arms and join the government. He underscored that he has reached out to Taliban leader Mullah Omar to "come back to your home soil and work for the happiness of the people."

Karzai also said he would personally protect Omar from U.S. and NATO troops if he comes back to Afghanistan for talks.
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