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Pakistan angrily reacts to US envoy`s remarks over Taliban

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, April 6, IRNA -- Pakistan angrily reacted on Tuesday to 
remarks by US Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmey Khalilzad on the 
Taliban`s activities in Pakistan, describing his remarks as 
irresponsible. 
"The remarks are uncalled for and unwanted," the Pak Foreign 
Office`s acting spokesman Abbas Jilani said. 
Speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in 
Washington yesterday, Khalilzad said one of the greatest worries 
that has remained since the ouster of the Taliban and other hostile 
groups is that they continue to be able to base, train and operate 
from Pakistani territory. 
The US envoy, also special representative of President Bush for 
Afghanistan, asked Pakistan to eliminate "terrorist sanctuaries" or 
the United States will "step in and do its part in obliterating 
them". 
Jilani said Ambassador Khalilzad is not aware of the stand of 
Washington relative to Pakistan`s role against terror. "The United 
States has always appreciated Pakistan`s efforts in eliminating and 
rooting terrorist infrastructure and the Taliban elements." 
Khalilzad told the gathering that Afghanistan is on the way to 
success after the ouster of the Taliban-led government, but one of the
greatest worries that remain is that the Taliban and other hostile 
groups are able to continue to maintain their base, train and operate 
from Pakistani territory. 
Meanwhile, Pakistan Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed also 
rejected the US envoy`s warning of possible activity by the American 
forces on Pakistani soil and said Pakistani forces are fully capable 
of confronting terrorists. 
The state-run PTV quoted him as saying that the United States 
must realize the ground realities. 
"We will deal with terrorists on our homeland," he said, adding 
that Pakistan did not need foreign forces to act its our soil. 
"Pakistan will not allow anybody for such action." 
The Foreign Office spokesman said that statements like by the US 
envoy may have led to political problems for Pakistan. 
Khalilzad, an Afghan American, said Washington wants Pakistan 
take responsibility and the United States is ready to help President 
Gen. Pervez Musharraf. 
However, he said the problem would be dealt with one way or the 
other. 
TK/TSH/LS/210 
End