Independent MP Rob Oakeshott has called on Prime Minister Julia Gillard to admit NATO-led coalition forces are in peace talks with the Taliban.
On the third day of a parliamentary debate on Australia's role in Afghanistan, Oakeshott has also urged Gillard to reconsider her another-decade commitment to the war and exit the country by 2014.
He says NATO is escorting Taliban commanders through Kabul to hold peace talks, and has asked why Gillard won't either admit to these peace talks or encourage them.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Oakeshott says the debate will not fool Australians because they know there will be no vote on the war.
He's also called on Gillard to make a statement to close the debate.
