The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Khar

Pakistan's Taliban movement welcomed an offer by the new premier to hold talks with militants but urged Islamabad to abandon the US-led "war on terror," the movement's spokesman said. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Saturday urged militants to renounce violence and offered to hold talks with those who give up arms and join the new democratic era.

"We are ready to talk to all those people who give up arms and are ready to embrace peace," Gilani said to loud support from lawmakers while addressing parliament. Pakistani Taliban militants welcomed the move late Saturday.