KABUL - The Taliban movement is powerless but the Afghan government would press ahead with reconciliation efforts, President Hamid Karzai said on Friday.

At a meeting with Ulema Council members at the Presidential Palace, Karzai said everyone knew that the Taliban had lost their independence.

The president added the Taliban had hoisted their flag and displayed the Islamic Emirate plaque at their political office in Qatar at the behest of outsiders.

A statement from his office quoted the president as saying the flag and the sign were removed under pressure from foreigners, suggesting the rebel group had lost its control.

However, he hastened to explain his administration would continue with the peace drive whether the movement was independent or otherwise.

He hoped his government would reach a deal with Pakistan and the United States before holding conclusive talks with the Taliban. The agreement would bring stability to Afghanistan and Pakistan, he believed.

Regarding the peace process, the president said the Taliban had informed him some days back that they were not behind the attacks attributed to them.

"My question to the Taliban is: If this is the case, why don't you say publicly that you have ceded control over the movement to outsiders?" the president continued.

With regard to his upcoming visit to Pakistan, scheduled for Aug, 26, Karzai said he was optimistic of a positive outcome. "I wish we reach an agreement on ending extremism, suffering and the trail of murder and mayhem in both countries." (Pajhwok)