ISLAMABAD The Afghan opposition warlord, Mr Ahmad Shah Masood, yesterday contacted the Taliban leadership, saying he wanted to hold peace talks with the Islamic militia's defence minister, the Afghan Islamic Press (AIP) reported.
The Taliban leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar, agreed and directed the Defence Minister, Mullah Obaidullah, to respond to Mr Masood's request for peace, AIP said.
The radio message from Mr Masood is the first direct contact between the Taliban and the former guerrilla leader since defections split the anti-Taliban alliance last week.
Talks between Mullah Obaidullah and Mr Masood, who is entrenched in his Panjshir valley stronghold north-east of Kabul, were expected "as soon as possible".