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| 'Pak needs to move troops from its border with India' |
| Lalit K Jha/ PTI / Washington Jun 26, 2009, 10:00 IST |
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Pakistan needs to move troops from its border with India to the western parts of the country to fight terrorism, a top Obama Administration official has said.
"Some (Pakistani) troops already have been deployed away from the Pakistan-India border, but I think more needs to be done in that respect. But we are encouraged by the progress that has been made so far," Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake said at a Congressional hearing replying to a question.
Blake agreed with Congressman Gary Ackerman that the Pak military offensive against the Taliban in the Swat Valley and adjoining areas has been a turning point in its war against terrorism.
"We are very encouraged by the progress that has been made in Swat Valley," Blake said, adding that much more needs to be done by Pakistan in this regard.
"I think they do have the capabilities to undertake that. An important part of that will be, as (the Special US Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan) Ambassador Holbrooke said, to reorient the Pakistani military from its focus on India towards a focus on dealing with the extremist threats that it faces," Blake added.
Blake said Pakistan has demonstrated a renewed commitment to countering the militant threat. Since May this year, the Pakistani government has made progress in pushing back the extremist encroachment in Swat, Lower Dir and Buner areas.
Encouraged by the Pakistan's military action against the Taliban, he said: "It's encouraging on two levels — first, because they are taking the fight to the Taliban, but also because it's helped to improve their own standing with their people. There is much greater support now for the Zardari government, which again is a very positive sign."
Blake said the US could continue to support Pakistan as long as it continues to take action against terrorists. "As long as they continue to do that, as long as they continue to take concerted action, you know, the US will continue to support them," he said.
"The United States and the international community have worked together to respond quickly to the internal refugee crisis that you mentioned resulting from these operations. We have committed over $300 million in immediate relief efforts and mobilised an international response," he said.
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