The United Nations Special Representative for Afghanistan has called for talks with Taliban leaders at the highest level.

This request comes as Afghanistan elections are less than 20 days away.

Kai Eide's call for negotiations was another indication that members of the international community are reaching out to the top echelons of the radical Islamist movement.

Kai Eide, United Nations Special Representative for Afghanistan, said, "If you do want a comprehensive peace process, it is not enough to talk to commanders on the ground. It is a political process, and I think you also have to approach the more political structures of the insurgency movement."

While the need for talks with the Taliban is recognized by the international community, the conditions attached to such proposals and the timing of the talks are a bone of contention.

President Hamid Karzai, facing a re-election challenge, has repeatedly called for talks with Taliban leaders on the condition that the militants accept Afghanistan's constitution.

Karzai has even personally guaranteed safe passage for Taliban leader Mullah Omar if he attends such talks.

Omar, who is believed to be hiding out in Pakistan, has publicly dismissed the overtures, saying no talks can happen while foreign troops are in the country.

(CCTV August 3, 2009)