US has sharp eye on Waziristan deal: general
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, Sept 22, IRNA
Pakistan-US
The US general in charge of NATO in Afghanistan on Thursday said a peace deal between Pakistan and tribal elders could yet bring peace to restive border regions, despite being savaged by US critics.
According to the" Daily Times", General James Jones, the supreme commander of allied forces in Europe, warned his men were closely watching results of the controversial pact in Waziristan and he would return to Islamabad in 30 days to discuss its impact.
He also reported that NATO's appeal for member states to fully meet troop and equipment pledges was bearing fruit, as it tries to bolster alliance forces facing stronger-than-expected resistance from the suspected Taliban militants.
The tribal deal has been slammed by some analysts and US observers of Afghanistan, who fear Pakistan's government gave too much ground and worry militants will find easier refuge in border regions.
If all of the words (in the agreement) are backed up, we should see a positive development, Jones told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
If they are able to live up to the terms of these agreements the border should be a much quieter area.
This is measurable, because we can tell what is going on in the border, Jones said, adding he would return to Pakistan next month for high-level talks with Pakistani commanders.
But several US senators slammed the deal, ahead of talks on Friday between US President George W Bush and President Pervez Musharraf.
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