May 29, 2008	Thursday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 23, 1429

CANBERRA, May 28: Britain’s Defence Minister Des Browne endorsed talks between Pakistan and Taliban militants on Wednesday despite concerns from Afghanistan that these negotiations would allow the Taliban to regroup and launch more attacks.

Browne said Britain supported any moves that would encourage militants to put down arms and stop violence.

He said reconciliation should be a part of any strategy, although it was clear some militants had no intention of putting down their weapons.

“But you can’t kill your way out of these sorts of campaigns,” Browne told journalists at Australia’s National Press Club.

Browne, who arrived here for talks with Australian Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon, said sovereign countries had the right to welcome militants back into society if they agreed to obey the rule of law and recognise democratic governments.

“If people are prepared to give up violence, put down their weapons, accept and recognise legitimate and democratic government ... then the sovereign governments from both countries are entitled to say we will welcome you to become part of our society,” he said.

“That’s their privilege and right. And we in the United Kingdom will support them in doing that.”—Reuters