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US expresses concern to Pak over terrorist activities

The Clinton administration has expressed to Pakistan its concern about the activities of terrorist groups that operate out of or within its territory, US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said, adding, "We have that under continual review.

"We have been concerned about the fact that groups like the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, which we believe was involved in the recent hijacking of Indian Airlines (flight) 814, operate in Pakistan and that they have been a transit point for terrorists,'' she said during a hearing of the House International Relations Committee yesterday.

She said the US hoped to see some action, both in terms of democracy and dealing with the terrorist threat.

Albright said the US had discussions with the Musharraf government, "as we had previously with the Sharief government. And, it is obviously with our concern about terrorism and the way that it effects the whole region. It is something that has been very important to us, and we have been concerned about Pakistan's support for the Taleban, who are, in turn, closely linked to Osama bin Laden. So, we are actively addressing these issues."

Albright recalled the United States' "very important" relationship with Pakistan and one that, unfortunately, had been interrupted by the May 1998 nuclear tests, as well as by the action of General Musharraf in toppling the elected government.

"We have consistently urged General Musharraf to move in terms of some measurable milestones, of a return to civilian government. We are watching that very carefully; how he reforms the Electoral Commission and holds local elections. We want to see some kind of a public show -- and not just show, but real action in terms of returning to democracy. And we will continue to support grassroots democracy in Pakistan," she said.

She said the US had laid out the importance of the Musharraf government moving back towards some kind of civilian democratic system, supporting local elections, grass-roots democracy in Pakistan.

The secretary said the US president had made no decision about including Pakistan in his south Asia visit next month.

She was replying to Congressman Sam Gejdenson (Democrat) who wanted to know the American reaction to Pakistani military ruler General Pervez Musharraf's action in removing the court system and trying the elected prime minister, Nawaz Sharief.

Robert Wexler (Democrat) also asked about assurances that Pakistan had given about its efforts to deal with terrorism.

UNI

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