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U.S. concerned about possible Pakistan-Taliban talks
(Xinhua) -- The United States is concerned about a possible peace agreement between the Pakistani government and Taliban militants along the border with Afghanistan, the White House said Wednesday. "We are concerned about it and what we encourage them to do is to continue to fight against the terrorists and to not disrupt any security or military operations that are ongoing in order to help prevent a safe haven for terrorists there," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino told reporters. Perino made the remarks as Pakistan's new government pledged to adopt multi-dimensional measures to deal with extremism and terrorism, including talks with the militants who lay down their arms. Pakistan and Afghanistan share a border of 2,400 km. Many militants fled to Pakistan's tribal areas after U.S.-led troops ousted the Taliban regime in 2001. Contrary to the U.S. stand, European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Javier Solana has voiced his support for Pakistan to hold talks with Taliban militants. "It is up to the country to give benefit to those who want to contribute to the well-being of the country by participating in a dialogue which is under the umbrella of the Constitution of the country," Solana told reporters Tuesday in Islamabad, Pakistan. Posted by: Fred 2008-04-24 |
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