Pakistan Says It's Not A Terrorist Haven
Pakistan says it's not a terrorist haven
http://www.boston.com/news/world/asi...rrorist_haven/
By Dusan Stojanovic, Associated Press Writer | January 12, 2007
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan --Rejecting the U.S. intelligence chief's accusations that Pakistan is harboring al-Qaida and Taliban leaders, Islamabad said Friday it remains committed to fighting international terrorism and extremism.
Sign up for: Globe Headlines e-mail | Breaking News Alerts Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that U.S. National Intelligence Director John Negroponte's claim that Pakistan represents a major source of Islamic extremism and a refuge for top terror leaders is "incorrect."
"In breaking the back of al-Qaida, Pakistan has done more than any other country in the world," the statement said.
Negroponte said in testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday that "eliminating the safe haven that the Taliban and other extremists have found in Pakistan's tribal areas is not sufficient to end the insurgency in Afghanistan, but it is necessary."
NATO and the Afghan government say Taliban and al-Qaida guerrillas are launching attacks on U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan from neighboring Pakistan. Violence rose sharply in Afghanistan in 2006, with militants killing about 4,000 people in what was the deadliest year since the U.S.-led coalition swept the Taliban from power in 2001.
U.S. officials have said they believe al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and other top terror commanders are taking refuge in the region, likely on the Pakistani side of the border. Pakistan has repeatedly rejected such claims.
"As part of international coalition against terrorism, our efforts are also helping the international community to counter this grave danger," the Pakistani statement said. "When Mr. Negroponte mentions the capture and killing of hundreds of al-Qaida members since 9/11, he should acknowledge the efforts of the country that made this possible."
Pakistan became a U.S. ally in the war against terrorism after it severed support for the Taliban militia in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.
