A senior commander of the militant group, on the condition of anonymity, said that the ceasefire had been in place for the past month.
Publish dateTuesday 22 November 2011 - 17:55
Story Code : 33000
The Pakistani Taliban have declared a ceasefire with the government of Pakistan in support of peace talks, the Associated Press (AP) reported on Tuesday.
A senior commander of the militant group, on the condition of anonymity, said that the ceasefire had been in place for the past month.
The Army had earlier denied news reports that stated it was engaged in negotiations with the Taliban. In a statement issued through the ISPR, the military “strongly and categorically” refuted news reports published by foreign news agencies that claimed that the Pakistani government and army were engaging in peace talks with the militant outfit.
“The army is not undertaking any kind of negotiations with TTP or its affiliated militant groups,” the spokeperson said.
“Such reports are concocted, baseless and unfounded,” he added.
A senior TTP militant commander had said on Monday that the banned group was engaging in initial peace talks with the Pakistan government and military.
“Peace talks are continuing with the Pakistani government and army. We have had two rounds of such talks,” one senior Taliban commander told AFP by telephone, claiming to be on a 10-member negotiating committee.
Dialogue, without arms says Rehman Malik
Interior Minister Rehman Malik said dialogue has already been offered to the Tehreek-e-Taliban but talks cannot take place till the militant outfit throws away their arms and give up terrorism.
“There is nothing formal regarding talks with Taliban. The Taliban usually send messages to us and I also sometimes conveyed them a message so that peace could prevail. But it is clear if the Taliban want to shake hands with us they would have to get rid of their arms,” he said.
Speaking to the media today, Malik also added “We are happy they have realized that killing of innocent people is wrong and the only way forward is the path of peace.”
The Minister said he cannot say much on this national issue and added all the stakeholders would sit together to find the amicable solution.
A senior commander of the militant group, on the condition of anonymity, said that the ceasefire had been in place for the past month.
The Army had earlier denied news reports that stated it was engaged in negotiations with the Taliban. In a statement issued through the ISPR, the military “strongly and categorically” refuted news reports published by foreign news agencies that claimed that the Pakistani government and army were engaging in peace talks with the militant outfit.
“The army is not undertaking any kind of negotiations with TTP or its affiliated militant groups,” the spokeperson said.
“Such reports are concocted, baseless and unfounded,” he added.
A senior TTP militant commander had said on Monday that the banned group was engaging in initial peace talks with the Pakistan government and military.
“Peace talks are continuing with the Pakistani government and army. We have had two rounds of such talks,” one senior Taliban commander told AFP by telephone, claiming to be on a 10-member negotiating committee.
Dialogue, without arms says Rehman Malik
Interior Minister Rehman Malik said dialogue has already been offered to the Tehreek-e-Taliban but talks cannot take place till the militant outfit throws away their arms and give up terrorism.
“There is nothing formal regarding talks with Taliban. The Taliban usually send messages to us and I also sometimes conveyed them a message so that peace could prevail. But it is clear if the Taliban want to shake hands with us they would have to get rid of their arms,” he said.
Speaking to the media today, Malik also added “We are happy they have realized that killing of innocent people is wrong and the only way forward is the path of peace.”
The Minister said he cannot say much on this national issue and added all the stakeholders would sit together to find the amicable solution.
Source : Afghan Voice Agency(AVA)-International Service
avapress.net/vdchvvnx.23nxvd10t2.html
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