US to respect Pakistan's Red Lines: Holbrooke
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, June 6 , IRNA -- US Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke said Friday United States would respect the red lines marked by Pakistan in war against terrorism.
“The US forces will not enter into the territory of Pakistan and would respect its sovereignty and integrity,” the envoy told news conference in Islamabad after holding series of talks in Islamabad.
He said Pakistani security forces are responsible for taking action against terrorists on their soil. He acknowledged that the Pakistani armed forces have turned the corner in their on-going military operation and successfully cleared several areas including Mingora and Buner district.
Holbrooke also admitted that the proposed military surge in Afghanistan could have spill-over effect in Pakistan. He, however, said the US and ISAF forces in Afghanistan operating close to border with Pakistan will take this into account.
He said it will be ensured that Pakistani security forces are properly aware of what military actions are undergoing on the Afghan side so that they could take preventive measures.
The US envoy said the new American commander in Afghanistan will examine the issue more carefully.
Asked about resentment being expressed by Pakistani people to drone attacks, Holbrooke said that neither the government leaders nor the civil society in meetings raised the issue with him!
To another question he said the issue of sources of funding of Taliban and militants is complicated one and he would be associating a member of the Treasury Department to his team to work on it. He said the militants get money during their private visits abroad besides drug money. He said that they are also receiving money through ‘hawla’ (money order) system, saying that the issue is very important and need more discussion.
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End News / IRNA / News Code 528047
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