He said: "The United States needs to find ways to more effectively coordinate and synchronize operations by both nations, and thereby reduce the operating space where the terrorists may function."
The US official also underlined the need to persuade other nations to help Pakistan deal with the problem of terrorism.
"We must design and execute our strategy to assist Pakistan in such a way as to persuade other nations -- many other nations -- to take the problems the Pakistanis confront as seriously as we do," he said.
"Regional, Middle Eastern, European, African, and Asian interests are just as threatened by international terrorism and violent extremism as our own interests here in the Western Hemisphere."
The United States, he said, was also working with Pakistan on a six-year multi-faceted Security Development Plan to enhance the country's ability to secure its border with Afghanistan.
The plan was co-developed by the US embassy in Islamabad and the US Central Command in coordination with the government of Pakistan.
In fiscal years 2007 to 2008, the US Department of Defence provided over $200 million. In 2009, the US administration is seeking at least $100 million for the plan.
Mr Negroponte said that the Pentagon will equip and train special operations units of the Pakistan Army. Training will focus on the Special Services Group and its helicopter mobility unit, the 21st Quick Reaction Squadron, to enhance its ability to execute combat missions in the border region. The End
Muhammad Khurshid, a resident of Bajaur Agency, tribal areas situated on Pak-Afghan border is journalist by profession. He contributes articles and news stories to various online and print newspapers. His subject matter is terrorism. He is also heading Voice For Peace working against terrorism in tribal areas. The aim of the Voice For Peace is restoration of peace in Bajaur Agency, tribal areas and whole world.
Good article Mr Khurshid. You are the only Pakistani writer i have seen that has called the 'Militants' by their real names. Why doesn't everyone else see them for what they are..criminals. Criminals who hurt their own countrymen more than anyone else. Heads of State should not be negotiating with criminal gangs of killers.
by
sio (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments)
on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 2:58:59 AM
1 comments
How would you rate this?
You must be logged in (if signed up) to do ratings.
It's free to signup! And easy. And takes just a minute or two....