A political solution is needed to end ongoing violence in Afghanistan, UPI quoted Afghan President Hamid Karzai as saying during meetings in London. Karzai met with British and Pakistani leaders in London for a trilateral summit on regional affairs. British troops are involved in NATO-led operations in Afghanistan, which are set to wind down by 2014. Their meeting follows an uptick in violence in Afghanistan in recent weeks. Nevertheless, British, Pakistani and Afghan leaders said transformation was moving along at a satisfactory pace. A statement added that an "independent, peaceful, self-reliant and democratic Afghanistan was necessary" for regional stability. Lasting peace would come "through an inclusive and dignified process, involving the Taliban, Hezb-e-Islami and other armed opposition groups," Karzai said, according to London's readout of the meeting.
