A statement purportedly from Afghanistan's Taleban leader Mullah Omar has dismissed reports that the radical Islamic movement's fighters were willing to lay down arms in exchange for amnesty.
The statement faxed to news agencies Thursday said the Taleban is not ready for any dialogue with the U.S. backed Kabul government as along as foreign soldiers remain in Afghanistan.
Last month, the Afghan government indicated it is considering an amnesty to Taleban fighters in return for their pledge to lay down their arms and return to normal life.
And, this week, the U.S. military in Afghanistan released about 80 Afghan detainees held in military jails.
Mullah Omar has evaded a manhunt since the Taleban was ousted from power in late 2001 by U.S.-led forces.