国际英语新闻：U.S. backs reconciliation between Afghan government, moderate Taliban

THE HAGUE, the Netherlands, March 31 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said here on Tuesday that her country backs effort by the Afghan government to reconcile with moderate Taliban members.

    "We must also support efforts by the government of Afghanistan to separate the extremists of al-Qaida and the Taliban from those who have joined their ranks not out of conviction, but out of desperation," she told an international conference on Afghanistan.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton smiles during a press conference after the International Conference on Aghanistan in The Hague, the Netherlands, March 31

"This is, in fact, the case for a majority of those fighting with the Taliban," Clinton added.

    "They should be offered an honorable form of reconciliation and reintegration into a peaceful society, if they are willing to abandon violence, break with al-Qaida, and support the constitution," she said.

    Afghan President Hamid Karzai reiterated at the conference his intention to negotiate with moderate Taliban members.

    "We must spare no effort to bring back to Afghanistan and to normal life all those from the ranks of the Taliban who have no association with al-Qaida and are willing to embrace peace and accept the constitution," he told high-level representatives from more than 80 nations and organizations.

    Without openly criticizing the current Afghan government, Clinton said legitimate and respected government is needed and there were no room for corruption.

    "Corruption is a cancer -- as dangerous to our long-term success as the Taliban or al Qaida. A government that cannot deliver for its people is a terrorist's best recruiting tool," Clinton said.

    She announced a fund of 40 million U.S. dollars for the upcoming Afghanistan's presidential election in August, urging for an "open, free and fair" poll.