By KUNA,
Islamabad : The visiting US envoy here Wednesday saiid that his country supports Pakistani governments talks with local Taliban militants but does not approve negotiations with the Talibans top chief.
“We don’t support making concessions to Taliban leaders like Baitullah Mehsud,” said Richard Boucher, at a press conference here. Baituallah Mehsud recently directed Taliban groups in two northern districts to end talks with the government for conducting operation against them in Khyber tribal agency. He has also been accused by the authorities of masterminding the killing of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
His comments came amid repeated clarifications on the part of new Pakistani government that it was holding negotiations with only those militants who have agreed to surrender.
Boucher told newsmen that the United States backs the policy described by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani last week that the governments intention was to negotiate with tribesmen not militants.
He also extended support to the ongoing operation in Khyber tribal agency but added that, it’s a reminder of how much of a problem there is up there.
Earlier, the US envoy met with President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday and discussed bilateral relations, counter-terrorism cooperation and regional developments of mutual interest.
The President, according to a press statement, underscored the importance of multifaceted cooperation between the two countries and underlined the need for deepening cooperation in the agreed areas of economy, energy, education, and science and technology. Official sources told KUNA that Boucher also discussed with the President his meetings with Nawaz Sharif, chief of ruling coalition, and other senior government officials. He assured President Musharraf of full support amid renewed calls by the civilian government to step down or face impeachment.