Pakistan militants say pulling out of peace pact

MIRANSHAH, Pakistan, July 15 (Reuters) Pro-Taliban militants in Pakistan's restive North Waziristan tribal region today announced they were pulling out of a peace deal with the government, accusing authorities of violating the pact.

North Waziristan is a hotbed of support for al Qaeda and Taliban militants and authorities signed a peace deal with the local fighters in September last in a bid to marginalise their foreign allies.

"The Taliban are forced to announce the end of the agreement," the leadership council or shura of the militants said in a statement issued in Miranshah, the main town of North Waziristan.

REUTERS SM RN1710