80 Taliban lay down weapons to join Afghan police

Last Updated: Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:22:00 +1100

Authorities in Afghanistan say 80 Taliban militants have laid down their weapons and joined the police force, accepting a government amnesty aimed at ending an insurgency.

In a ceremony at police headquarters in the eastern city of Herat, the 80 men handed over their weapons and pledged to end their fight against the government.

The decision comes after president Hamid Karzai again offered an olive branch to Taliban fighters to reintegrate into Afghan society.

In a speech marking his inauguration for a second five-year term, Mr Karzai pledged to call a "loya jirga", or inclusive national conference of political, tribal and religious leaders, to work towards peace.