Speaking at the conclusion of Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif... served two non-consecutive terms as prime minister, heads the Pakistain Moslem League (Nawaz). Noted for his spectacular corruption, the 1998 Pak nuclear test, border war with India, and for being tossed by General Musharraf...
's visit, a senior State Department official said the US has no objection to the aims laid out in the negotiated approach. "He (PM Nawaz Sharif) indicated his intentions (to hold talks with the Taliban) and we indicated our support," the official said in a background discussion with the Pak media when asked about Washington's response to Islamabad's initiative. Before his departure for home, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told the media that the US was informed that Pakistain had made a conscious decision on holding talks with the TTP as part of efforts to contain militancy and that Washington should support Islamabad's decision.
The US official, while expressing support for the move explained: "It is his decision. We are not trying to steer him in one direction or another. We certainly have no objections that there is a strong domestic consensus in, at least, trying a negotiated approach." "As we understand the conditions are that the TTP has to accept the constitution and the rule of law, and of course we accept those objectives. We support those objectives," the official added. Senior State Department and administration officials told the media that the prime minister's election and assumption of power offered a "renewed" opportunity for the two countries to discuss the continued key bilateral relationship and that the visit was marked by "warmth, breadth and honesty in fulsome discussions".