Pakistan 'no al-Qaeda haven'

2007-01-12 17:59

Islamabad - Rejecting the US spy chief's accusations that Pakistan is harbouring al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders, Islamabad said on Friday it remained committed to fighting international terrorism and extremism.

Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a statement that John Negroponte's claim that Pakistan represents a major source of Islamic extremism and a refuge for top terror leaders is "incorrect".

"In breaking the back of al-Qaeda, Pakistan has done more than any other country in the world," the statement said.

Negroponte, the US national intelligence director, said in testimony before the senate intelligence committee on Thursday that "eliminating the safe haven that the Taliban and other extremists have found in Pakistan's tribal areas is not sufficient to end the insurgency in Afghanistan, but it is necessary".

Nato and the Afghan government say Taliban and al-Qaeda guerrillas are launching attacks on US-led coalition forces in Afghanistan from neighbouring Pakistan.

Violence rose sharply in Afghanistan in 2006, with militants killing about 4 000 people in what was the deadliest year since the US-led coalition swept the Taliban from power in 2001.

US officials have said they believe al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and other top terror commanders are taking refuge in the region, likely on the Pakistani side of the border. Pakistan has repeatedly rejected such claims.

The foreign ministry statement said "it is also a fact that there are al-Qaeda elements active in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, as Mr Negroponte has said, but it would be incorrect to link them to any remnants of al-Qaeda in Pakistan".

On its part, "Pakistan continues to pursue these remnants as well as other terrorists and extremist elements", the statement said, adding, "Pakistan remains committed to fighting international terrorism and extremism."

"As part of international coalition against terrorism, our efforts are also helping the international community to counter this grave danger," the Pakistani statement said.

"When Mr Negroponte mentions the capture and killing of hundreds of al-Qaeda members since 9/11, he should acknowledge the efforts of the country that made this possible."

Pakistan became a US ally in the war against terror after it severed support for the Taliban militia in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks in the US.

- AP