Al-Qaeda visible in tribal belt: US

PESHAWAR - The US Central Command Chief General David Petraeus and US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Richard Boucher met NWFP Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti on Tuesday and held detailed talks with him on the ongoing war on terror in the region.

According to an official handout, the two sides exchanged views on bilateral issues, particularly the ongoing war on terror and the NWFP government’s strategies for combating militancy and terrorism in the region.

Meanwhile, in an interview with CNN, Gen David Petraeus claimed that senior Al-Qaeda leadership is present and visible in Pakistani tribal belt.

He said Al-Qaeda presence could not be neglected, as it was a threat to the world peace.

In his meeting with the US officials, Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti said that his government is determined to bring peace and stability in the area and in this regard, he drew the attention of the visiting dignitaries to the NWFP government’s steps for putting militancy to an end. NWFP Chief Minister also informed the US officials of certain administrative and economic problems, which had enabled terrorists to establish routes in the region, the handout said.

Amir Haider Khan Hoti also briefed the US officials about the government’s various steps to address economic, political and administrative issues of the people. He further said that the international community must help the NWFP government in its efforts for eradicating the root causes of terrorism in the region.

The US head of the Central Command General David Petraeus in his brief remarks on the occasion, expressed his satisfaction over the outcome of his visit.