Karzai calls on Taliban to join peace process as Afghans celebrate Muslims' festival

KABUL, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai along with his cabinet members and MPs Sunday called on Taliban to join the peace process while attending the special praying of Eid-ul-Fitr, the religious festival of Muslims.

Extending his felicitation to nation and praying for durable peace, Karzai called on all Afghans including armed opposition to lay down their arms and join hand in the reconstruction of the war-wrecked country.

"Once again I call on all oppositions to demit violence and join their brothers in peace process and reconstruction of their country," Karzai said.

The war-weary but hopeful Afghans observed the religious festival Eid al-Fitr amid tight security as police with the support of army have been deployed in all sensitive areas and streets of capital city Kabul to ensure peace for citizens.

Taliban exclusive top commander Mullah Mohammad Omar in a statement issued Saturday on the eve of Eid al-Fitr said despite the surge of international troops, western countries should look up the history of Afghanistan as a tomb for invaders and they would face defeated eventually.