Pakistan-Taliban peace deal

[Nadeem]

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WHITE HOUSE: The United States is concerned about a possible peace deal between Pakistan and Taliban fighters 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," said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.

She spoke as Pakistani officials and a spokesman for the Islamist militia confirmed that the new government in Islamabad has drafted a peace agreement with Taliban fighters along the border's troubled tribal belt.

"I don't know if we have an official announcement out of Pakistan yet so let me decline to comment on any specifics," Perino told reporters.

"But in general, yes, we have been concerned about these types of approaches because we don't think that they work," she said.

[Nadeem]

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WAZIRISTAN: Militants commander, Baitullah Mehsood Wednesday strictly directed the Taliban to stop confrontational activities.

A written statement of Baitullah Mehsood was issued by “Tehreek Taliban Waziristan”, directing the Taliban to halt provocative activities in Waziristan, Tank, Gomal and Dera Ismail Khan.

“Those failing to abide by the directive will be hanged upside down in bazaars,” the statement warned.

[Nadeem]

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ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has welcomed the announcement by Baitullah Mehsood to shun terror activities.

Prime Minister's Adviser on Interior Rehman Malik has said nation would soon hear good news about strengthening of peace initiatives. In first ever visit of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Headquarters, the Interior Advisor was given a detailed briefing on NADRA’s performance and new projects.

Talking to reporters on the occasion, Rehman Malik said although Baitullah Mehsood always denied having any hand in the assassination of Ms. Benazir Bhutto yet a thorough probe would be done to ascertain real perpetrators. He said efforts to restore peace in Baluchistan, FATA and other restive areas would continue and nation would soon hear good news in this regard.

Rehman Malik said withdrawal of Lal Masjid cases was out of question, however, the government wanted to abolish politically motivated cases with consensus and in national interest.

Malik said no decision has been taken to deport foreign Ulemas from the country. He welcomed the offer from Baitullah Mehsood to shun terror activities.http://geo.tv/images/shim.gif

[Nadeem]

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KABUL: Afghan Foreign Minister Rangeen Dadfar Spanta said Thursday that any peace deal between Pakistan and Taliban fighters would only fail and terrorism should instead be tackled globally.

The United States has also expressed concern about a possible deal after representatives of both sides said Wednesday the new government in Islamabad had drafted an agreement with rebels along the Afghan border.

"We believe that any efforts by any country in our region to have a separate peace deal with international terrorism, such efforts will fail," Spanta told reporters.

"Past experiences have proved that such efforts will only result in those who make such efforts becoming the victims," he said.

[fawad DOT]

يہ درست ہے کہ امريکہ کی جانب سے ان "امن مذاکرات" کے بارے ميں شديد تحفظات کا اظہار کيا جا رہا ہے۔ کيا آپ واقعی يہ سمجھتے ہيں کہ حکومت پاکستان کی جانب سے دہشت گردوں کو عام معافی دينے پر امريکہ سميت عالمی برادری کی جانب سے اطمينان کا اظہار کيا جاۓ گا؟ کيا اس کے بعد امن کے نام پر اسامہ بن لادن کو بھی حکومت پاکستان کی جانب سے عام معافی دے دی جاۓ گی اور ان سے يہ وعدہ ليا جاۓ گا کہ اگر وہ پاکستان کے اندر اپنی کاروائياں بند کر ديں تو انھيں مکمل تحفظ دے ديا جاۓ گا؟ ياد رکھيے کہ آپ سانپ کو ساری زندگی دودھ پلاتے رہيںاس کی فطرت نہيں بدل سکتے۔ وہ ايک دن آپ کو ضرور ڈسے گا۔


فواد – ڈيجيٹل آؤٹ ريچ ٹيم – يو ايس اسٹيٹ ڈيپارٹمينٹ
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