Top Afghan Peace Negotiator Cancels Visit To Pakistan

Top Afghan peace negotiator Salahuddin Rabbani has cancelled a visit to Pakistan. Zardasht Shams, the Afghan embassy spokesman in Islamabad, confirmed to the DPA press agency that Rabbani had cancelled his visit but refused to give a reason. Officials said he was to meet Pakistan's civil and military leadership to seek assistance in negotiations with the Taliban. Rabbani was also expected to demand the release of Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who Afghans believe could aid the reconciliation process. Rabbani was invited to Pakistan by Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, who was in Kabul in July. Rabbani was named the head of the High Peace Council after the assassination of the former chief, also his father, Burhanuddin Rabbani, last year.