Afghan govt gives Taliban ultimatum

KABUL - Afghan President Ashraf Ghani issued an ultimatum to the Taliban on Tuesday, warning them to embrace peace or "face consequences" after announcing that the death toll from last week's truck bombing had passed 150.

Ghani has come under mounting public criticism for spiraling insecurity. He made a strong plea for security at an international conference of peace and security cooperation attended by around two dozen countries.

Armored vehicles patrolled the streets as part of tight security and fighter jets roared over the capital.

"We are offering a chance for peace but this is not an open-ended offer," Ghani said.

"Time is running out, ... this is the last chance: take it or face consequences."

The conference, labeled the "Kabul Process", aims to build international support for peace. There was no immediate reaction from the Taliban.

Kabul has been on edge since the massive truck bomb on May 31 ripped through the city's highly fortified diplomatic quarter, home to the presidential palace and a host of foreign embassies.

The death toll from the attack has risen to more than 150, while about 300 wounded were brought to hospitals, many with burns and amputations, Ghani said.

Previously officials had put the number of dead at 90. Ghani did not immediately explain the much higher figure.

Meanwhile, a rocket fired by militants struck the center of Kabul on Tuesday morning when the conference was going on, sources and local media said.

Several diplomatic offices and apartment buildings are located in the area, where the headquarte of NATO-led Resolute Support also located.

Afp - Xinhua

(China Daily 06/07/2017 page11)