Peace initiative, phase 2: Govt, TTP shortlist two venues for direct talks

Taliban insist on Shaktu area of South Waziristan, govt wants FR Bannu.

ISLAMABAD:

The government and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have shortlisted two venues for crucial face-to-face talks that seek to end years of violence through an elusive peace deal, officials said on Wednesday.

The possible venues for the maiden meeting between government negotiators and the Taliban include the little-known Shaktu area in South Waziristan Agency and Frontier Region Bannu.

But given the Taliban’s reservations over the government-suggested venue, the first meeting is likely to take place in the Shaktu area, said a source privy to the development.

The venues were shortlisted during a meeting of the government’s reconfigured negotiating committee chaired by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, who also consulted the Taliban’s chief intermediary Maulana Samiul Haq.

A source told The Express Tribune that the government suggested Frontier Region Bannu while the Taliban proposed the Shaktu area for the first direct meeting.

The source disclosed that Taliban Shura members were reluctant to travel to Frontier Region Bannu due to perceived fears of action by the security agencies.

On the other hand, the government negotiators are also not comfortable going to the militants’ strongholds.

The source revealed that in an effort to break the impasse the government is likely to agree to the Shaktu area. “The first meeting is crucial because once it takes place it will certainly help reduce the trust deficit,” said a government official while requesting anonymity.

He added that the Taliban have been given a ‘firm assurance’ that the security forces would not take any action against their Shura members engaged in talks with the government.

The Taliban suggested Shaktu for talks because it considers the area ‘safe’ as there has been little presence of security forces there compared to North Waziristan Agency and other areas.

The official said following the first meeting the next rounds are likely to take place in Frontier Region Bannu. However, he said the final decision on the venue would be taken soon.

Maulana Samiul Haq also confirmed on Wednesday that the venue for talks between members of the government committee and militants would be finalised soon.

Maulana Sami said the Taliban did not want to hold talks at government-run venues.

Professor Ibrahim Khan was of the view that the venue should not be a hurdle in talks.  “We hope that the meeting will take place,” added Ibrahim, who traveled to the militant strongholds last week to make arrangements for direct talks between the Taliban and government.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2014.