New Delhi/Kabul - Afghanistan's government denied speculation about secret talks between the government and Taliban militants in Mecca at the occasion of the end of the hoy Muslim month of Ramadan.

British and Afghan media reported that Saudi King Abdullah invited the conflict parties to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan in late September.

Another rumoured participant was former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif, said to be well-connected to the Saudi rules and the Taliban, whom he helped to establish during his time in office with the aid of the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence agency.

Pakistani and Saudi officials denied the meeting took place, while Afghan President Hamid Karzai stressed there were no talks. He admitted, however, having asked the Saudis for help.

Karzai previously said his government would not negotiate with Taliban leader Mullah Omar, but in an about-face on September 30 called on Omar to join the peace process.

Mullah Abdul Salam Zaeef, former Taliban ambassador to Pakistan, said Wednesday several Taliban shared a meal with Karzai's brother and other officials, but no peace talks took place.

The rumours are an indication that the frontline may be shifting in the insurgency crippling Afghanistan, as a victory by the US-led international forces and the Afghan army over the insurgents becomes increasingly unlikely, as Western polticians and military commanders admit. (dpa)