Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai's protection offer to Taliban leader Mullah Omar in return for peace talks is meaningless,

KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai's protection offer to Taliban leader Mullah Omar in return for peace talks is meaningless, a Taliban spokesman told CNN.

Speaking to the U.S. news network, Qari Yousif, spokesman for the militant group which is waging a relentless campaign of violence in Afghanistan, said Karzai has no authority to make such an offer as he must rely on British and U.S. help for his own protection.

Karzai recently offered to "go to any lengths" to provide security to Mullah Omar if the latter enters peace talks.

Yousif was quoted by CNN as saying the Taliban will not discuss peace so long as international forces remained in Afghanistan.

The White House already has expressed doubts about Mullah Omar agreeing to any such offer, CNN said. There is a $10 million reward for information leading to his capture.

Saudi Arabia, which has been trying to play a role, arranged a meeting in September among Taliban representatives and Afghan and Pakistani officials. Another such meeting is scheduled in December, the CNN reported, quoting a source.

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