Taliban code of conduct a bid to improve image

KABUL: A Taliban code of conduct that pledges to limit attacks on civilians and curb suicide bombings appears aimed at mustering support among the Afghan people and refurbishing the militants' international image ahead of peace talks widely expected after next month's presidential elections.

The code, which NATO officials say was published in May and distributed to Taliban fighters, requires that members of the hard-line Islamist movement undertake the "utmost effort" to avoid killing civilians, limits the use of suicide bombers and mandates that prisoners cannot be harmed or ransomed without the approval of a Taliban regional commander.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said that 20,000 copies of the 60-page booklet were being distributed and that the rules must be followed to the letter.