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Friday, December 8, 2006

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Karzai Warns Pakistan That Patience Is 'Wearing Thin'

Afghanistan -- Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri (L) with his Afghan counterpart Rangin Dadfar Spanta in Kabul, 07Dec2006

Pakistani Foreign Minister Kasuri (left) will meet with his Afghan counterpart, Rangin Dadfar Spanta, today

(epa)

December 8, 2006 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai has told visiting Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri that Afghan public patience is "wearing thin" amid increased violence that Kabul blames on Pakistani-based insurgents.

Kasuri, who is on an official visit to neighboring Afghanistan, met Karzai yesterday for talks on border security and ways to curb violence in Afghanistan.

Relations between the two countries have been strained by Afghanistan's persistent allegations that Pakistan is giving refuge to Taliban militants.

Kasuri is due to hold more talks today with his Afghan counterpart, Rangin Dadfar Spanta. They are expected to discuss proposed tribal councils, or jirgas, of community leaders aimed at reining in Taliban fighters.

(AP, AFP)

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