US welcomes Pak-Iran cooperation for Afghan settlement

ISLAMABAD (NNI): The US Assistant Secretary of State, Karl Inderfurth Friday welcomed Pakistans engagements with Iran to find out a peaceful solution of the long-standing Afghan conflict.

Addressing a press conference here at the US Information Centre, he said the United States encourages Pakistan Chief Executives initiative to cooperate with Iran to bring the Afghan parties to negotiation table.

He said the United States wants establishment of a broad-based government in Afghanistan, with representatives of ethnic and geographic make-up. He said Washington appreciates General Musharrafs stance for the establishment of a representative government in the war-torn country.

Asked if he sought Pakistans assistance to nab Osama bin laden, the US official said he urged Islamabad to use its influence with the Taliban so that the Saudi dissident is brought to justice. He said the US delegation, which had a detailed meeting with the Taliban Thursday, called for Osamas expulsion from Afghanistan.

Questioned whether the US delegation asked Pakistan to restrict the activities of the Islamic extremist groups operating in the country, Inderfurth said: "We expressed our concern that terrorism stems from the region, and hoped that Pakistan will takes steps against these groups."

He said such action is in the interest of Pakistan, adding that Islamabad will win international support for the same. He said the US team is not here to impose its decisions, but to exchange views with the Pakistani leaders on the basis of mutual respect.

Asked whether he pressed for the signing of the CTBT, Inderfurth said Washington is encouraged by the Pakistan governments initiative to evolve national consensus on the issue.

Replying to a question about the President Clintons visit, the US official said that the president intended to visit South Asian region, however, no decision has yet been taken.

To another question about the hijackers of the Indian plane, Inderfurth said he has received assurances from Islamabad that the hijackers, if in Pakistan, would be arrested and brought to justice.