China expresses understanding on delay of Afghan peace talks

BEIJING - China on Thursday expressed understanding on the postponement of the second round of talks between the Afghanistan government and Taliban representatives amid revelations about the death of Taliban leader Mullah Omar.

The peace talks, originally scheduled for July 31 in Pakistan, are being postponed at the request of the Taliban leadership, citing uncertainty caused by the confirmation of Omar's death.

The Afghan Taliban on Thursday confirmed the death of Omar, one day after the Afghan government announced the Taliban leader died mysteriously in a hospital in Pakistan's Karachi in summer 2013.

China called on all parties to focus on national unity and lasting peace in Afghanistan and continue to push forward the peace and reconciliation process, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

"It is in the common interests of all Afghan people and parties and conducive to regional peace and stability," Lu said.

He said China is willing to work with Pakistan and other parties to promote the peace and reconciliation process.

Omar, who established the Taliban Movement in Afghanistan, has not been seen since the collapse of his regime by the US-led military invasion in 2001.

The first round of face-to-face talks between Taliban representatives and the Afghanistan government was held in Pakistan a couple of weeks ago.