Pakistan 'is no militant haven'

[Flabbergasted]

Last Updated: Monday, 6 August 2007, 15:08 GMT 16:08 UK

Pakistan 'is no militant haven'

Pakistan has again denied that al-Qaeda or the Taleban have safe havens in its territory, and has warned that the issue threatens relations with the US.

The allegation has become an issue between candidates in the race to become the next US president.

Last week presidential candidate Barack Obama said he was prepared to use military force if necessary against a re-grouped al-Qaeda in Pakistan.

Pakistani officials say that such comments caused great resentment.


'Terrorist elements'

"There is no al-Qaeda or Taleban safe haven in Pakistan," foreign ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam said at a weekly briefing.

She said that Pakistan was strongly opposed to a bill signed by President Bush on Friday that requires the US president to confirm that Pakistan is making progress in combating al-Qaeda before aid is forthcoming.


Ms Aslam said that such conditions were "in no way conducive to the promotion of a healthy relationship" between Pakistan and the United States.

http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6933495.stm

[Rex]

1. Oh the irony - Democrats threatening a dictator.

While Repukes coddle a 'president', take your pick on who I'm talking about. I guess it really is dick-tay-tor to dictator talks between Bush and Musharrif. Er, I mean 'presidents'.

[Deja Q]

2. Didn't Al Quaeda recently attack Pakistan?

If so, that makes Pakistan a rather bizarre sort of haven.