The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Islamabad

Pakistan's new government will not negotiate with terrorist groups as part of its effort to pursue talks with Islamic militants, the foreign minister said Monday. The coalition government - formed by foes of President Pervez Musharraf after sweeping parliamentary elections - has vowed to review Pakistan's U.S.-backed policies on fighting al-Qaida and the Taliban. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has offered talks to militants ready to renounce violence. But in remarks that could ease concern in the West that the new government will be softer on al-Qaida, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the offer of negotiations excludes groups that Pakistan considers terrorists. "We will not negotiate with terrorists, but we will engage and we believe in political engagement," Qureshi said in an interview on Dawn News television.