11 August 2004	Wednesday	24 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

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QUETTA, Aug 10: The provincial government has accepted the offer of the speaker of the Balochistan Assembly for hosting a conference of the opposition and government leaders for evolving a consensus formula to resolve the problems of the province.

Speaker Jamal Shah Kakar made the offer in the house while presiding over the Balochistan Assembly's first day of the session on Tuesday. Though some of the opposition members appreciated the speaker's offer, the combined opposition later sought two days' time for consulting their party leadership on the issue.

"I am ready to host a joint conference to bring the government and opposition on a negotiating table," Mr Kakar said. He suggested that the governor, the chief minister, parliamentary leaders of all parties having representation in the assembly and presidents of their parties be invited to the proposed conference.

Mr Kakar said that all issues, including those identified by the opposition regarding military operation, mega projects, etc., could be discussed in the proposed conference to find out a solution acceptable to all the parties.

Members of the opposition parties, including Opposition Leader Kachkol Ali, said that the speaker's suggestion would be put before the respective party readerships and after consultation they would be able to give their opinion about the offer. The combined opposition sought two days for the reply.

JOB DEMANDED: Representatives of the Unemployed Educated Association of Dera Bugti have demanded of the government to force the management of the companies in Sui gas fields to implement the agreement of 1989 and 2001 so that jobs may be provided to the youth of Balochistan.

Speaking at a press conference in the press club here on Monday, Sakyiah Bugti president and Noor Hasan Bugti an office bearer of the association said that they were forced to observe a strike at Gate No 4 of the gas fields Sui.