Ready to talk to Baloch rebels: Musharraf

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said he is willing to hold talks with the nationalist rebels in Balochistan to end the violence in the restive southwestern province, promising to give them everything.

"They should tell us what their demands are. We are ready to give them everything," Musharraf said at a public meeting in Sibbi area of the province.

But he insisted: "No power can separate Balochistan from Pakistan."

He urged subversive elements in Balochistan to abandon their path and instead help in the development and progress of the province.

"We have the capability to counter terrorist acts in Balochistan. Those indulging in terrorist acts are also from among us. I appeal to them to give up these activities and join the development process," he said.

This was perhaps the first time Musharraf spoke in a reconciliatory tone about the Baloch nationalist rebels who were waging an armed struggle for autonomy. A prominent Baloch nationalist leader, Nawab Akbar Bugti, was killed last year in military action.