The Obama administration has confirmed reports it’s backing peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. US-led forces have allowed the movement of senior Taliban leaders to attend negotiations with Afghan officials. Speaking at a NATO summit in Brussels, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the US supports Afghan reconciliation.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates: “We have always acknowledged that reconciliation has to be a part of the solution, ultimately, in Afghanistan, and we will do whatever we can to support that process. I think one of the principles that we have established with President Karzai is transparency with one another as this process goes forward, so we are in very close consultations with President Karzai and the Afghan government.”

In an interview with Al Jazeera today, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said he’s had unofficial meetings with Taliban leaders. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, said any talks with the Taliban are in the early stages.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: “On the reconciliation front, this is a much more complex effort that is just beginning. There are a lot of different strains to it that may or may not be legitimate or borne out as producing any bona fide reconciliation.”