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US wants military action in NWA
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
By Delawar Jan
PESHAWAR: The US Consul General in Peshawar, E Candace Putnam, on Tuesday praised Pakistan for the terrific progress it had made against the militants in Swat and the tribal areas but in the same breath said her country wanted to see military action in the North Waziristan Agency.
We very much would like to see action in the NWA. You know that the Haqqani network is killing our soldiers. Its understandable, she said at a press conference here. Putnam said it was undisputed that the extremists had found sanctuaries in the tribal areas and were launching attacks on Pakistan and the US forces in Afghanistan. There is no question that extremists have found a safe haven in the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan and thats why your troops are fighting in those areas, she said without mincing words.
But the US diplomat did express some optimism. Our hope is that you will succeed and that this area will never again be a safe haven for people who launch attacks against us and against you, she said.
The consul general, who will have Saturday next as her last working day at the Consulate General, spoke highly of the military actions Pakistan had launched last year and during the current year in different areas. We greatly respect and admire the progress you have made, your military has made in fighting the militants, she said.
You kept them out of Swat. Your fighting has made terrific progress in Bajaur, Mohmand and in South Waziristan, in Khyber and many areas across the Fata, Putnam said. She said the US would not dictate Pakistan about any military action but it certainly wanted to see an offensive in North Waziristan. We are convinced that you are determined to regain control of all of your territory and it is not up to us to say to your military commanders what to do when, she said.
The consul general said the Pakistan Army had the right to decide where and when fighting was needed. But she hastened to add that at the same time the US very much would like to see action in North Waziristan as the Haqqani network was killing American soldiers. Regarding action in the Punjab, she said it was up to the Pakistan government to decide.
To a question about the strategy of the bogged down US and Nato forces, the diplomat said the US was not fleeing from Afghanistan. Our strategy has not changed. And the president has been very much clear. Our main goal here is to defeat, dismantle and disrupt al-Qaeda. The president agreed to a surge in troops to help in that battle in Afghanistan. All the troops havent even arrived yet. So its very premature to say that the fight is over and we are fleeing. Its not the case, she explained.
She said they would support the efforts of the Afghan government to try and reconcile with those who were ready to shun violence, renounce al-Qaeda and adhere to the Afghanistan constitution.
Admitting slow progress in assistance to Pakistan, Putnam said it had to go through a process and a big bureaucracy, which was causing some delay, but she said the pledges would be honoured. The bad security, she added, had also affected their ability to deliver assistance.
Putnam said that 108 destroyed schools, 36 health clinics and six water supply schemes would be completed with $36 million in Swat as the agreement to this effect had already been signed in December last. They have now tendered 38 schools and the construction should begin this month, she stressed.
She said the US would help the government of Pakistan build the infrastructure that was destroyed during combat in Malakand and would then move on to capacity building of the population there.
The diplomat claimed the US had assisted the Fata Secretariat in completing over 1,000 small projects throughout the tribal areas.
You will be seeing some progress very, very soon and you will be seeing a lot more money soon, she assured. The outgoing diplomat said the US was determined to spend money through Pakistani institutions, government and NGOs.
She said there had been a lot of positive changes in Pakistan, including the return of democracy and the rise and strength of civil society.
She also praised the Peshawarites for their resilience during a wave of terror last year. I find it remarkable, she said of the bravery of the people. Your police just going out to the frontline and embracing suicide bombers to protect people. Its truly, truly, truly remarkable bravery and courage, she added.
US wants military action in NWA
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
By Delawar Jan
PESHAWAR: The US Consul General in Peshawar, E Candace Putnam, on Tuesday praised Pakistan for the terrific progress it had made against the militants in Swat and the tribal areas but in the same breath said her country wanted to see military action in the North Waziristan Agency.
We very much would like to see action in the NWA. You know that the Haqqani network is killing our soldiers. Its understandable, she said at a press conference here. Putnam said it was undisputed that the extremists had found sanctuaries in the tribal areas and were launching attacks on Pakistan and the US forces in Afghanistan. There is no question that extremists have found a safe haven in the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan and thats why your troops are fighting in those areas, she said without mincing words.
But the US diplomat did express some optimism. Our hope is that you will succeed and that this area will never again be a safe haven for people who launch attacks against us and against you, she said.
The consul general, who will have Saturday next as her last working day at the Consulate General, spoke highly of the military actions Pakistan had launched last year and during the current year in different areas. We greatly respect and admire the progress you have made, your military has made in fighting the militants, she said.
You kept them out of Swat. Your fighting has made terrific progress in Bajaur, Mohmand and in South Waziristan, in Khyber and many areas across the Fata, Putnam said. She said the US would not dictate Pakistan about any military action but it certainly wanted to see an offensive in North Waziristan. We are convinced that you are determined to regain control of all of your territory and it is not up to us to say to your military commanders what to do when, she said.
The consul general said the Pakistan Army had the right to decide where and when fighting was needed. But she hastened to add that at the same time the US very much would like to see action in North Waziristan as the Haqqani network was killing American soldiers. Regarding action in the Punjab, she said it was up to the Pakistan government to decide.
To a question about the strategy of the bogged down US and Nato forces, the diplomat said the US was not fleeing from Afghanistan. Our strategy has not changed. And the president has been very much clear. Our main goal here is to defeat, dismantle and disrupt al-Qaeda. The president agreed to a surge in troops to help in that battle in Afghanistan. All the troops havent even arrived yet. So its very premature to say that the fight is over and we are fleeing. Its not the case, she explained.
She said they would support the efforts of the Afghan government to try and reconcile with those who were ready to shun violence, renounce al-Qaeda and adhere to the Afghanistan constitution.
Admitting slow progress in assistance to Pakistan, Putnam said it had to go through a process and a big bureaucracy, which was causing some delay, but she said the pledges would be honoured. The bad security, she added, had also affected their ability to deliver assistance.
Putnam said that 108 destroyed schools, 36 health clinics and six water supply schemes would be completed with $36 million in Swat as the agreement to this effect had already been signed in December last. They have now tendered 38 schools and the construction should begin this month, she stressed.
She said the US would help the government of Pakistan build the infrastructure that was destroyed during combat in Malakand and would then move on to capacity building of the population there.
The diplomat claimed the US had assisted the Fata Secretariat in completing over 1,000 small projects throughout the tribal areas.
You will be seeing some progress very, very soon and you will be seeing a lot more money soon, she assured. The outgoing diplomat said the US was determined to spend money through Pakistani institutions, government and NGOs.
She said there had been a lot of positive changes in Pakistan, including the return of democracy and the rise and strength of civil society.
She also praised the Peshawarites for their resilience during a wave of terror last year. I find it remarkable, she said of the bravery of the people. Your police just going out to the frontline and embracing suicide bombers to protect people. Its truly, truly, truly remarkable bravery and courage, she added.
US wants military action in NWA
