US envoy concerned at release of Pakistani militant leader
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, June 3, IRNA -- The United States is concerned at the release of a top Pakistani militant leader, whose group was accused by India of masterminding the November Mumbai attacks, the top American envoy for the region said Wednesday.
A court on Tuesday ordered release of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, head of the banned Jamaat-ud-Daawa, who was put under house arrest in December after the UN imposed curbs on his group.
US especial envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke told a private TV Channel that the U.S and the world is concerned at the release of Daawa leader.
Holbrooke arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday for talks with the Pakistani leadership on security matters, with special focus on the on-going military operation against the militants.
He renewed backing for military operation in Swat valley and other areas in Pakistan's northwest and said that Pakistan must curb militancy.
"The current military operation against the militants is a must," the U.S envoy told Geo TV.
He said that the US 110-million-dollar aid for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) was not sufficient and the U.S government will increase this amount.
Ambassador Holbrooke said that the Muslim countries have not provided sufficient assistance to Pakistan in this time of crises.
He contended that the Organization of the Islamic Conference should extend their cooperation to Pakistan, so that the problems facing it could be reduced.
He said that the militants in Swat and other parts of Pakistan were trying to destroy Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam, the founder of the country.
Hailing the efforts of the Pakistani government against the militants, he said that the government has taken all the steps in positive manner and it has done its duty.
He said that the government of U.S will provide more military assistance to Pakistan and in this regard four new MI helicopters would soon be provided to Pakistan.
He said that the US will also provide night vision cameras to Pakistan.
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