France trying to reconcile Afghan rivals

Paris: France`s President says his country is trying to ease tensions in Afghanistan by talking to conflicting parties and sees Pakistan as key to stabilizing the region.

President Francois Hollande, who met today with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, said they talked about Afghanistan and the risks it faces when international military forces leave. Hollande said they discussed their nations` roles in promoting stability in the region. He said France was "talking to everyone" in an effort to ease tensions and promote peace. France is hosting a rare face-to-face gathering of Afghanistan`s major players, including the Taliban, next week. PTI