Pakistan Committed to fight Terrorism: US
By Khalida Mazhar 'Pakistan Times' US Bureau Chief

WASHINGTON (US): Pakistan is committed to fighting terrorism and working with the United States on counter terrorism issues, the State Department said at regular briefing on Tuesday afternoon.

Deputy Spokesman Tom Casey also stated that the United States is working with both Pakistan and Afghanistan on the issue of "cross-border activities" and observed that all have to do more to address the problem.

"It's something that we've been working on with each of those governments, the Government of Afghanistan and the Government of Pakistan, to try and be able to put a stop to those kinds of cross-border activities."

To a question, he said the United States has certainly concerns about the "existence of al-Qaeda leadership” and cross-border activities and stated that the hunt for Usama bin Laden and other al-Qaeda senior leaders continues through a variety of means.

But, he added that the main point for the United States is that it has good cooperation from the Pakistani government on counter terrorism issues he added.

"But I think the main point for us has been that we do believe we have good cooperation from the Government of Pakistan on counter terrorism issues."

Continuing his reply he said "we do believe that President Musharraf and his government are committed to fighting terror and to working with us."

"However, it's very clear to all of us that we and the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Afghanistan all need to do more since the problem is out there and it is continuing."

According to an earlier report the United States says it will continue to support and work with both India and Pakistan in their efforts to halt extremists and counter terrorist threats.

"There is no political justification for violence against innocent people, which only serves terrorists` efforts to spread fear, generate hate, and limit freedoms," said State department deputy spokesman Tom Casey here condemning Monday`s attack in Samjhota Express.

"We will continue to support and work with both India and Pakistan in their efforts to halt extremists and counter terrorist threats," he said.

"We condemn the terrorist attack that killed so many people traveling on the Samjhota Express on Feb 18, a rail line that links New Delhi, India and Lahore, Pakistan.

The United States extends its condolences to the families of the victims and the people of India and Pakistan" Casey said.●