June 15, 2008	Sunday	Jamadi-us-Sani 10, 1429

GHALANAI: The Taliban walked out of government-sponsored peace talks in the Mohmand Agency on Saturday, citing an incident earlier this week in which a militant was killed in a clash with paramilitary forces.

Recalling the exchange of fire which took place near the Nahaqi checkpost, a local Taliban leader accused the government of ‘insincerity’ and said that under the circumstances, it was very difficult for them to continue talks.

Umar Khalid claimed the Taliban had released two government employees, but the latter had not reciprocated.

Mediation between the Taliban and the government was initiated by tribal elders about a month ago. Malik Mohammad Ali, a jirga member, told Dawn that efforts were under way to resume the talks.

Our Bajaur correspondent adds: the Tehrik-i-Taliban has claimed responsibility for the suicide attack on Nato forces on the Torkham-Jalalabad highway, in Afghanistan, on Friday.

A Taliban spokesman, Maulvi Umar, said Qari Suleman, a youth from Bajaur, had carried out the attack.

He said the Taliban would continue to target US and allied forces in Afghanistan and would avenge the deaths of tribesmen and paramilitary soldiers killed in Mohmand Agency a few days ago.

Maulvi Umar said the Taliban would continue to negotiate with the government.