A top Western diplomat in Kabul tells Fox News “reconciliation” with elements of the Taliban insurgents will be a key way to resolve the conflict in Afghanistan.

The openness to talking to the Taliban is in line with similar statements from Secretary of State Clinton, her envoy to the region Richard Holbrooke, as well as British Foreign Minister David Milliband.

All, though, have ruled out any negotiations with top ranking Taliban with ties to Al Qaeda.

“At some stage a political settlement will have to happen,” the diplomat told Fox News, “ An attempted peace process could certainly follow the upcoming elections”

(Afghan President Karzai is seeking re-election in polls set for August 20).

“Talk” of talks comes following the deadliest month for the US and British forces in Afghanistan. 43 American troops were killed in Afghanistan in July. A total of 75 coalition forces died. And it comes as a “surge” of 4000 US Marines is battling the Taliban in the key southern province of Helmand.

The same diplomat dubbed the parallel anti-Taliban operation in Helmand involving British troops as a “military success.” When it was suggested to him that such a pronouncement might be premature, he amended the chracterization to, “tactical” success.

US military officials here have said its too soon to say whether their mission in Helmand is succeeding.