Taliban extend cease-fire in Pakistani valley

[February 24, 2009]  ISLAMABAD (AP) -- Taliban militants extended a cease-fire Tuesday in northwestern Pakistan's Swat valley, granting more time for peace talks with the government that the U.S. worries could create a haven for insurgents in the nuclear-armed country.

Troops and insurgents have observed a truce since Feb. 15, when Pakistani authorities offered to introduce Islamic law in the region if militants lay down their arms. A hard-line cleric is negotiating on behalf of the government.

The Taliban's cease-fire was due to expire on Wednesday, but spokesman Muslim Khan said insurgent leaders decided to extend it "for an indefinite period."

"From our side, there will be no hostility against the government and the army, and we expect the same from them," Khan told The Associated Press.

Militants control much of the picturesque region of northwestern Pakistan once popular with tourists, according to residents. Pakistani officials say the offer to introduce Islamic law there addresses long-standing demands for speedy justice that have been exploited by the Taliban.

NATO and the United States have voiced concern that any peace accord could effectively cede the Swat valley to militants who have defied a yearlong military operation, beheaded opponents and bombed girls' schools.

Many analysts doubt the Taliban will accept the mild version of Islamic law on offer -- or that they will loosen their grip on the valley, which lies just 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the capital, Islamabad. A deal last year collapsed after several months.

The status of the talks and each side's positions are not clear.

The Swat Taliban have not clearly stated they will disarm or allow the schooling of female children. Pakistan's president has said he will not sign the law imposing Islamic justice until peace has returned to the valley.

Militants in Bajur, another northwestern region, announced late Monday they would observe a cease-fire with government troops there. The military, which claims to be close to victory in Bajur, has not commented on the move.

Pakistan says it is committed to regaining control of the northwest, but American officials have expressed skepticism about the willingness and ability of its security forces and have ratcheted up missile strikes on al-Qaida targets there.

Pakistan's army chief and foreign minister are holding talks in Washington this week as the new U.S. administration hammers out a new policy for the region.

[Associated Press; By STEPHEN GRAHAM]

Associated Press writer Sherin Zada contributed to this report from Mingora.

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