May 30, 2008	Friday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 24, 1429

ISLAMABAD, May 29: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has welcomed a statement by Sardar Akhtar Mengal, former chief minister of Balochistan, that he is willing to hold talks with the government for peace in the province.

The prime minister said his government was ready to take steps to restore the confidence of the Baloch people.

Describing Mr Mengal’s statement as ‘encouraging’ he said he was determined to address the longstanding grievances of the Baloch people.

The prime minister said his government had already ordered an end to the military operation in Balochistan and he would ensure its full implementation.

Mr Gilani said the government was keen to hold formal talks with all genuine Baloch leaders and pointed out that PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari would soon hold an All Parties Conference on matters relating to Balochistan.

He said his government was committed to giving provincial autonomy to Balochistan and ready to abolish the concurrent list.—APP