May 11, 2008	Sunday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 5, 1429

PESHAWAR, May 10: Peace talks between tribal elders started here on Saturday to resolve the conflict in the Kurram tribal region.

A 15-member jirga from Hangu and Orakzai areas is mediating between the rival factions to find out an amicable solution of the dispute.

Officials said 50 elders representing various tribes of the Kurram region were brought to Peshawar by helicopters on Saturday. Earlier, it was planned to hold the jirga in Kohat, but the venue was changed for security reasons. Twenty-five elders represented each side in the jirga.

Clashes in the region have left over 600 people dead and 1,000 wounded, also displacing a large number of families. The main road to Parachinar is still closed for traffic and security forces are escorting vehicles carrying food items and medicines to the region.

MNA from Kurram Sajid Hussain Turi said the elders from the two sides would hold discussions for five days to remove hurdles and formulate modalities for a sustainable peace agreement.

He said the jirga would start formal negotiations from Sunday. Kohat region Regional Coordinator Officer Omar Afridi and Kurram Agency political agent Syed Zaheerul Islam will oversee the talks.

“The elders are very positive and both sides are willing to restore lasting peace in the area,” said Mr Turi.

He said the main issues before the jirga were opening of the Thall-Parachinar road and resettlement of displaced families in Parachinar, Sadda and Tari Mingal areas.