Gates warns of militant havens dangers

ISLAMABAD (Agencies) US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates visited General Headquarters and called on Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Thursday. The visiting dignitary remained with him for some time and discussed matters of mutual interest.
Earlier on arrival at GHQ, Gates laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented the guard of honour.
Earlier talking to reporters on his flight from New Delhi, US Defence Secretary warned that Taliban safe havens along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border must be tackled or both nations would suffer more lethal and more brazen attacks.
The Pentagon chief, in Islamabad for two days, said he would ask Pakistans leaders about possible plans to broaden a military operation against insurgents in the countrys northwest frontier region.
Gates also praised Pakistans military offensives against the Taliban, saying they had caused Al-Qaeda and some of the other terrorists that weve been concerned about to flee their safe havens.
It was his first visit to Pakistan under the administration of US President Barack Obama, which views Pakistan as a central part of its fight against extremists operating in the region.
Gates said he planned to ask Pakistani leaders about plans to broaden their campaign to North Waziristan, a bastion of Al-Qaeda and the Haqqani network, known for attacking US and NATO troops fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.
I think the way I will approach it is to simply ask them what their plans are for North Waziristan, he told reporters, adding that he heard about plans to move into the area later this year.
Pakistan launched multiple assaults into Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) strongholds last year, and Gates said Washington was ready to provide training and equipment, but it was up to Islamabad to decide the pace for any new push.
Gates said he would explain the Afghan strategy.
The main focus of my visit will be to (discuss Afghan strategy) ... and to provide reassurances to the Pakistanis that we are in this for the long haul and intend to continue to be a partner of theirs far into the future, Gates said.
Gates has lamented that Washington lost interest in the region after the Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan, and lost the trust of Pakistani armed forces after a US ban on military aid over Islamabads nuclear programme in the 1990s.
The Pentagon chiefs visit comes at a time of diplomatic tension as a volley of US drone missile strikes hit militants in the northwest, fuelling anti-American sentiment and drawing public condemnation from the government.
Gates said he would also raise thorny issues, including manifestations of anti-Americanism that include problems with our visas and harassment of our people.
US officials said last month that Pakistan was delaying hundreds of visas for US officials and contractors, which could hamper US aid programmes and further strain a critical alliance in the fight against extremism.
Gates said Pakistan should determine the pace of aid flows.
Many Pakistanis are deeply sceptical of the US war on militancy, believing it is aimed at suppressing Muslims.
Another source of friction is strikes by missile-firing US drone aircraft on suspected militants in northwest Pakistan.
Gates declined to comment on military operations but said avoiding civilian casualties was central to US strategy and the United States was mindful of Pakistans sovereignty.
Gates was also to hold talks later on Thursday with President Asif Ali Zardari.