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Pakistan says no to pressure for Waziristan offensive

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Jan. 14, IRNA -- Pakistan on Thursday said it would not accept any pressure for military offensive against the militants in North Waziristan tribal region.

The Foreign Office spokesman was responding to the reported statement of the US military chief Admiral Mike, who said the US wants Pakistan to take speedy action against al-Qaeda and Taliban elements holed up in North Waziristan tribal region near the Afghan border.

“The United States understands Pakistan's position very well with regard to full-scale operation in the North Waziristan Agency. Pakistan is moving ahead methodically and firmly keeping in view its strategic objectives,” the Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said.

“Pakistan would not like to have any disconnect between the successes achieved so far,” the spokesman told weekly press briefing.

The spokesman told a questioner that the issue of drone attacks was also raised during visits of US Vice President Joe Biden and Acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Frank Ruggiero.

President Asif Ali Zardari also took up the issue with the US Vice President insisting on transfer of technology to Pakistan.

To a question he said President Asif Ali Zardari has left for the United States to attend memorial service being held in honour of late Ambassador Richard Holbrooke.

Taking advantage of his presence in Washington, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton would also call on him.

Responding to questions at the weekly news briefing in Islamabad this afternoon, Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said all regional countries need to adhere to the policy of non-interference and non-intervention in Afghanistan.

He said people of Afghanistan have suffered heavily so has Pakistan and there is no room for a new great game pertaining to Afghanistan.

Being immediate neighbour, Pakistan understands its implications and consequences not only for Afghanistan and Pakistan but for the entire region.

The spokesman said Pakistan has always desired for a work for peace and tranquility in the region and along the borders.

Pakistan is firmly committed to sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and is working closely for normal state to state relations with its neighbour.