国际英语新闻：Pakistan announces ceasefire with militants in Swat valley

ISLAMABAD, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The local government of Pakistan Saturday announced ceasefire with the militants in the restive northwestern Swat valley.

"I announce complete ceasefire from our side," Syed Muhammad Javed, a top government official in Swat told a news conference.

    Javed, Commissioner Malakand Division, of which Swat is the major city, said that the government would take more steps to restore peace in the region.

    "You will listen more good news in the days to come," Javed said.

Supporters of Muslim cleric Maulana Sufi Mohammad peace march on the street of in Mingora, outskirts of Swat valley February 18, 2009.

    But he said, "There is no ceasefire from both sides," he said. The government will honor the promise of Islamic system."

    He issued orders for opening of all schools from Monday, which have been closed for months after Taliban started blowing up schools, particularly the girls' schools.

    Officials say that over 100 schools have been blown up or torched by Taliban in the 18-month fighting.

    Javed said that classes would be started in tents for those students whose schools have been blown up.

    "We will provide full security to the students," he said but avoided to reply when asked that Taliban have banned girls' education in Swat.

    The official asked hundreds of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) to return to Swat.

    Officials say that around 500,000 people have fled Swat as the result of fighting.

    "I and other top officials will receive the IDPs on return," he said and announced to compensate all those whose houses have been destroyed in the fighting.

    Asked how the Taliban will be disarmed, the official said that talks were underway with Taliban on the issue.

    On Feb. 16, Taliban announced a 10-day ceasefire after the government agreed to the introduction of Islamic laws in parts of the northwest including Swat