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Pakistan has taken serious note
of Taleban threat: Sattar

Pakistan on Monday said it had taken 'very serious note' of the threats by Taleban to declare war in the event of Islamabad joining or facilitating US attacks against it in order to apprehend Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden even as the defiant Afghan militia vowed 'it will fight to the death' in the event of American military action.

"We are terribly saddened that a government and country that we have regarded always as a neighbour and friend should use such language against Pakistan," Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar said in an interview to CNN in Islamabad.

He was referring to a threat issued by Taleban two days ago saying, "If neighbouring or regional countries, particularly Islamic countries, gave positive response to American demand for military bases, it would spark off extraordinary danger. Similarly, if any neighbouring country gave territorial way or airspace to US against our land, it would draw us into imposed war."

Sattar also said a high-level delegation from the US would shortly visit Pakistan to discuss American plans to deal with terrorism and the extent to which Islamabad could be a 'partner' in the endeavour.

Meanwhile, Taleban ambassador to Pakistan Abdul Zaeef said in case of a US attack 'we will fight to the finish'.

"We will defend ourselves as we did against the Russians," he said in an interview with an Iranian newspaper Entekhab.

Zaeef maintained that Taleban would extradite Laden only if an Islamic court proved his guilt.

"There has been no contact with the Americans and we have received no indirect message," relating to Laden, he said, adding "We think that any accusation by the US must be proved judicially."

PTI

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