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US objects to talks with Mehsud
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ASIANAGE on 03 July, 2008 04:26:07
 
By OUR PAKISTAN CORRESPONDENT
ISLAMABAD
July 3: The United States disapproves negotiations with Taliban commander
Baitullah Mehsud but backs Islamabad’s talks with tribal elders, said a senior
US envoy.
Mr Richard Boucher, US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian
affairs, said Washington supports an ongoing operation by Pakistani forces
against Islamic hardliners in Bara, Khyber Agency and Peshawar.
However, he said, "We don’t support concessions to Taliban leaders like
Baitullah Mehsud."
Addressing a news conference here after concluding his three-day visit to
Pakistan on Wednesday evening, Mr Boucher stated that the United States supports
the policy described in a statement by Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza
Gilani last week where he said the intention was to "negotiate with tribesmen,
not militants".
He said the operation was a good step. "We welcome the operation in Peshawar.
People there have faced harassment by these groups," he added.
Mr Boucher said the United States would continue providing training facilities
and equipment to help Pakistan in the war against terrorism and extremism.
He noted that apart from the use of force, there is a need for expediting
economic activities, building schools and health facilities and creating job
opportunities. About the role of President Pervez Musharraf, he said, "Frankly,
President Musharraf is not the issue right now."