Taliban ready to hold talks with rivals

The ruling Taliban militia in Afghanistan has for the first time said it is willing to hold talks with its rivals.

Sources, however, felt the move could be an attempt to split the Opposition alliance led by ousted military chief Ahmed Shah Masood, Malik Pahlawan's Uzbek forces, and Karim Khalilli's Shiite Muslim troops.

In a broadcast on the Taliban's radio Shariat, the militia offered to begin talks with two of the Opposition factions. Even Malik Pahlawan could join in, provided he frees the estimated 2,000 Taliban prisoners. The Uzbek warlord has refused to do this.

Sources said the other two factions may not agree to the talks since such a step would effectively split the alliance.

UNI

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