batmannow
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Ist round of Pak- US- Afghan dialogues commencing today
Updated at: 1643 PST, Monday, February 23, 2009
WASHINGTON: The foreign ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan are scheduled to take part in the Obama administration's strategic review of South Asia policy here in Washington this week.
This is the first round of series of dialogues among Pakistan, US and Afghan officials over the situation in the region and their progress on terror war.
Also, the three-party talks come on the heels of a peace agreement between Islamabad and Taliban elements that allows for the implementation of Islamic law in Pakistan's Swat Valley.
Prior to leaving for Washington, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he believes he can allay U.S. concerns over the agreement that allows Islamic law in the Swat Valley.
Last week, the U.S. special representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Holbrooke, said he had conveyed American concerns to Pakistani authorities. Holbrooke, who recently toured the region, said President Ali Zardari sought to assure him that the agreement is an "interim" measure aimed at stabilizing the region.
He added, the Pakistani leader agrees that the militants in the region pose a danger not only to Pakistan, but also to the United States.
NATO has also expressed concern about the agreement, saying it could create a safe haven for extremists. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has praised the agreement, saying it is in line with his government's policy of dialogue, development and deterrence.
On Sunday, Army spokesman Major General Athar Abbas defended Islamabad's decision to negotiate with the militants.
"One must allow these strategies to work to achieve the end goal. The end goal remains the same - the return of peace, tranquility in the Swat Valley. That is the end goal," he said. "If it is not being achieved or if it or if it is being achieved at a very heavy cost, which is politically not sustainable, then the government must look for other options. Should the other options not work, the use of force option is always there.
The military is not being pulled out of the valley, it is still there. The option would remain available to the government."
Abbas added that the Pakistani military effort in the northwest Swat region is hampered by a lack of what he called "sophisticated" equipment, including attack helicopters and surveillance equipment.
U.S. State Department Spokesman Gordon Duguid said last week that Washington is not surprised by the agreement between the militants and the Pakistani government.
Ist round of Pak- US- Afghan dialogues commencing today
Updated at: 1643 PST, Monday, February 23, 2009
WASHINGTON: The foreign ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan are scheduled to take part in the Obama administration's strategic review of South Asia policy here in Washington this week.
This is the first round of series of dialogues among Pakistan, US and Afghan officials over the situation in the region and their progress on terror war.
Also, the three-party talks come on the heels of a peace agreement between Islamabad and Taliban elements that allows for the implementation of Islamic law in Pakistan's Swat Valley.
Prior to leaving for Washington, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he believes he can allay U.S. concerns over the agreement that allows Islamic law in the Swat Valley.
Last week, the U.S. special representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Holbrooke, said he had conveyed American concerns to Pakistani authorities. Holbrooke, who recently toured the region, said President Ali Zardari sought to assure him that the agreement is an "interim" measure aimed at stabilizing the region.
He added, the Pakistani leader agrees that the militants in the region pose a danger not only to Pakistan, but also to the United States.
NATO has also expressed concern about the agreement, saying it could create a safe haven for extremists. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has praised the agreement, saying it is in line with his government's policy of dialogue, development and deterrence.
On Sunday, Army spokesman Major General Athar Abbas defended Islamabad's decision to negotiate with the militants.
"One must allow these strategies to work to achieve the end goal. The end goal remains the same - the return of peace, tranquility in the Swat Valley. That is the end goal," he said. "If it is not being achieved or if it or if it is being achieved at a very heavy cost, which is politically not sustainable, then the government must look for other options. Should the other options not work, the use of force option is always there.
The military is not being pulled out of the valley, it is still there. The option would remain available to the government."
Abbas added that the Pakistani military effort in the northwest Swat region is hampered by a lack of what he called "sophisticated" equipment, including attack helicopters and surveillance equipment.
U.S. State Department Spokesman Gordon Duguid said last week that Washington is not surprised by the agreement between the militants and the Pakistani government.
