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Holbrooke backs anti-militants campaign, says US to provide more aid

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Jun 3, IRNA -- Special representative of President Obama on Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke here Wednesday lauded military offensive against militants in Swat and renewed US help and cooperation in anti-terror war and rehabilitation of IDPs.

Speaking at a news conference after meeting with President Asif Zardari he vowed to increase the US assistance for the IDPs, which he said were internal refugees, from 110 million dollars to 310 million dollars after the approval of the congress.

He said that President Zardari has requested for an immediate 200-millio-dollar additional assistance for the IDPs.

Holbrooke said that President Obama has sent him to show the US concern to Pakistan on internal displaced persons, now in millions, who have added burden to the already burdened nation.

He assured that US will provide additional assistance to the government of Pakistan in its moments of need.

Replying to a question about the use of American weapons by the terrorists in troubled areas of Malakand, he said it was a common phenomenon that during insurgencies such weapons are used.

About the military action in Swat and Malakand, he said Pakistan and US have same perception on the issue and action taken by Pakistan and military was necessary and essential. He also said that fighting is still going on and there is lot more to go.

President Asif Ali Zardari said on the occasion that Pakistan is committed to clear its territory off the militants.

“We are committed to defend and wherever there is a threat we will follow it,” the president said in response to a question about military action in Waziristan and other areas.

Replying to a question about winning the war against militants, President Zardari said it is still too soon to say anything in this regard.

“We have war of ideology to fight. We have a war where we have hearts and minds to win. Once we have won hearts and minds of the people of the region, then I will say that we have progressed,” he added.