March, 24 2005	Thursday	13 Safar 1426

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QUETTA, March 23: Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani has reiterated that no issue can be resolved through violence and dialogue is the only way to settle all issues. He was talking to reporters after the investiture ceremony held in connection with the Pakistan Day at the Governor’s House here on Wednesday. “All problems and issues should be resolved through negotiation as it is the only way,” he said and appealed to the armed Bugti tribesmen to end the blockade of Dera Bugti and vacate all trenches they had established in and around the township.

He said the government was sincere and wanted to resolve all issues of Balochistan through negotiation. He said that a parliamentary delegation, comprising government and opposition representatives, with national and international media, had been sent to Dera Bugti to witness the situation.

The team, he said, had observed who was responsible for opening the fire first. However, the FC action was in its defence.

He said that after an exchange of fire between tribesmen and FC personnel, an attack of rocket fire from Nawab Bugti’s fort had been launched at the FC headquarters.

Mr Owais said that despite rocket firing, he (Governor) had ordered the security personnel not to fire at Nawab Bugti’s residence.

The government wanted to solve the issue through talks as innocent people always suffered in case of violence.

Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani said Nawab Bugti was an experienced politician and had been remained governor of the province. He must know compulsions of the government in the wake of maintaining law and order.

The governor said the FC had asked for a cease-fire at around 1.30pm, but the firing continued till 2.30am. Five FC men had succumbed to their injuries due to bleeding as they could not be provided medical treatment due to heavy firing.

In reply to a question, the governor said he wanted to initiate dialogue for resolving this issue as the province was facing subversion activities, including bomb explosions, rocket attacks, blowing up of gas pipelines and railway tracks.

He said the government had taken all initiatives to start negotiations and he had appealed to Akbar Bugti to cooperate in resolving all issues through dialogue.