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Head of Pakistan Taliban says group will negotiate, but not disarm

Published: 28 Dec 2012 - 01:59 pm | Last Updated: 04 Feb 2022 - 08:43 pm

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan: The head of Pakistan's Taliban said his militia is willing to negotiate with the government but not disarm, a message delivered in a video given to Reuters on Friday.

"We believe in dialogue but it should not be frivolous," Hakimullah Mehsud said. "Asking us to lay down arms is a joke."

In the video, Mehsud sits cradling a rifle next to his deputy, Wali ur-Rehman. Military officials say there has been a split between the two men but Mehsud said that was propaganda. (Reuters)