International security force gets interim Afghan backing

KOENIGSWINTER, Germany -- Talks on Afghanistan's political future gained momentum Thursday, with the northern alliance dropping its rejection of international security forces and moving closer to a power-sharing agreement to end Afghan suffering.

Both the northern alliance and the United Nations, which is sponsoring the talks among four Afghan factions, struck a positive note on the third day of bargaining. With the international community seeking an end to two decades of war, the Afghans are under pressure to decide by the weekend on security and an interim authority that would run the country until March, when a national council would convene.

"If we had not turned our back on Afghanistan 10 years ago, we would not be sitting here today," U.N. spokesman Ahmad Fawzi said. "But nevertheless, we are here."

"The Afghan problem has never had so much attention and will never again have such great attention. If we don't seize this opportunity, it will be a very grave mistake."

In a reversal that prompted new optimism, the northern alliance dropped its rejection of outside forces, but said they could arrive only after an interim authority was in place.

"Our official stand is that once a transitional mechanism is established, and the need for international forces is felt, we are not opposed to the arrival of an international force," Qanooni said, speaking to reporters in Dari, one of the main Afghan languages.

Such a force was not needed at present because northern alliance forces were safeguarding the peace, he said, adding that foreign forces could come only "when it is seriously required." The northern alliance prefers a force drawn from Islamic nations.