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An Honor Guard as Afghan President Hamid Karzai marks Eid al-Fitr.
He wishes for peace at a time when the war is inflicting an increasingly devastating toll on civilians, with the number of casualties rising by almost a quarter in the first half of this year.
He wants the Taliban to put down their weapons.
(SOUND BITE) (Pashto) AFGHAN PRESIDENT, HAMID KARZAI SAYING:
"I call on Taliban leaders to stop fighting in the country. Join the peace and live with pride and prosperity along with your brothers."
U.S.-led forces are gradually withdrawing from the country after more than a decade of war contributing to deteriorating security, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
