Twirp: Terrorist Wahabi Islamic Rep Pakistan 4

[Naresh]

<b>US will not meddle in Kashmir, says Riedel</b>

WASHINGTON : <b>The US does not intend to “meddle” in the Kashmir issue,</b> but will support any effort by India and Pakistan to reduce their tensions, a key aide to President Barack Obama says while pressing Islamabad to take the “first step” to bring to justice the Mumbai attack masterminds.

Allaying apprehensions in some quarters in India that US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke’s mandate may also include Kashmir, Bruce Riedel, who co-chaired the inter-agency committee which formulated the Af-Pak policy, said: “I do not think the Obama administration intends to meddle in Kashmir.”

Riedel, a former CIA official, said it was in the interest of the US to see tensions between India and Pakistan be reduced and diminished and see a resumption of the bilateral composite dialogue and a back channel between India and Pakistan that produced some significant results between 2006 and May 2007.

<b>“But at the end of the day, it is fundamentally up to the Indians and Pakistanis to make those decisions,</b> and change those policies that way. United States can be a supporter and it should be, but it is up to Indians and Pakistanis to find a way to reduce tensions between them,” Riedel said.

<b>“The critical first step in that regard is for Pakistan to take steps to bring to justice the masterminds who murdered 160 people in Mumbai last November. That is the first step, without that it would be very very difficult to see a reduction in tension between Islamabad and New Delhi,” he said.

“I can’t see how any Indian government could or should simply forget what happened last November in Mumbai,” Riedel said, insisting that those responsible for that massacre had to be brought to justice.

“The Pakistani government has been asking for evidence. I think, India has provided the evidence. Now it is time to take some action against Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamaat-ud-Dawa and those who perpetrated this terrorist outrage,” he said</b>.

He also noted that Washington had rightly focused on the war in Afghanistan, and the deteriorating situation in Pakistan. At the same time, he made it clear that the Obama Administration intends to consult closely with New Delhi at every stage it moves forward on the new Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy.

“I think, that makes perfect sense as the government in New Delhi very much wants those consultations,” he said. Describing India as a “key player” in Afghanistan, Riedel noted that New Delhi had provided over US$1 billion as aid to the Afghan government.

Commenting on bilateral ties, Riedel noted that there was a bipartisan consensus in the US that India would be one of the most important partners and friends to the United States in the 21st Century.

“On every issue that matters to America, from international terrorism to global warming, to arms control, the future of democracy, India is a critical player and the US and India have fundamentally similar interests and values.

“And I think, across the political spectrum in the United States there is recognition (about) that. This is an unusual area of consensus in the American politics. I expect the Obama administration to continue what the Clinton and Bush administrations began, which is strengthening US-Indian relations,” he said.

When asked whether the fizz in Indo-US ties that was witnessed during the previous Bush era was missing after Barack Obama became the US President this year, Riedel replied in the negative.

Riedel said: “The Obama administration has rightly given India a chance to conduct its own political process. India has been in a process of a very important election and has come out with a very important result — the return of the Congress government.

“By definition during that electoral period, US-Indian bilateral relations were on the backburner, while India put its own political house in order.” With the Congress-led UPA back in power, Riedel said he expected bilateral diplomatic ties to regain the tempo and take a “significant uptick”.

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Naresh]

<b>ISI maintains link with militant commanders, says Musharraf</b>

<b>LONDON : Former Pakistan President General Parvez Musharraf has conceded that his country's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) maintains link with militant commanders like Sirajuddin Haqqani, suspected of having masterminded the attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul.</b><b>( Watch Video )</b>

Musharraf said that ISI had "used Haqqani's influence" to get Pakistan's Ambassador to Afghanistan, who was abducted by Tehrik-e-Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud, released.

Haqqani, "is the man who has influence over Baitullah Mehsud, a dangerous terrorist, the fiercest commander in South Waziristan and the murderer of Benzir Bhutto, as we know today," Musharraf told Der Spiegel in an interview.

"Mehsud kidnapped our Ambassador in Kabul and our intelligence used Haqqani's influence to get him released. Now that does not mean that Haqqani is supported by us. The intelligence service is using certain enemies against other enemies. And it is better to tackle them one by one than making them all enemies," he said.

On US media reports that ISI had systematically supported Taliban, the former Pakistan President said, <b>"Intelligence always has access to other network -- that is what Americans did with KGB, that is what ISI also does."</b>

Sirajuddin Haqqani is the son of renowned Mujaheedin commander Jalaluddin Haqqani, who is now one of the foremost commanders of Afghan Taliban. Haqqani brothers have been accused of masterminding the attack on Indian embassy in Kabul on July seven, 2008.

Musharraf in the course of his interview accused the Indian intelligence agency, RAW, of interfering in Swat valley and also of arming and financing Baluch rebels.

The former Pakistan President also said that there were "many Indian extremists who have extremists in Pakistan".

So he claimed that if world was serious about combating terrorism then "don't leave India out", since there is "an Indian element" behind the current situation in his country.

Claiming that US President Barack Obama does not understand the reality in Pakistan, Musharraf said that India should not be left out of the mandate of Richard Holbrooke, the US Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"I am totally against the term Af Pak," he said. Musharraf said he did not support the Af-Pak policy for two reasons: First, the strategy puts Pakistan on the same level as Afghanistan.

"We are not. Afghanistan has no government and the country is completely destabilised. Pakistan is not."

"Second, and this is much more important, is that there is an Indian element in the whole game. We have the Kashmir struggle, without which extremist elements like Lashkar-e-Taiba would not exist," the wily commando-turned- politician said.

The former President saw a conspiracy going on to weaken Army and ISI in Pakistan, saying that the talk of Balkanization of his country was wrong as long as Army and the Intelligence were "intact and strong".

He refused to name who were behind this conspiracy, merely pointing to India saying it had 16 insurgencies going on and nobody was making a big thing out of it. "But the West always focuses on Pakistan as a problem."

Asked why he had not acted to eliminate the Taliban leadership when they came to Pakistan at the end of 2001 -- above all the so called Quetta Shura, the Taliban's highest decision making council, in the Pakistani city of Quetta -- Musharraf claimed that Quetta Shura never existed.

"Do you really think there is an assembly in a kind of a House where they come and discuss things is something like a regular consultation. Mullah Omar never was in Pakistan and he would be mad if he appears there. He is much safer in Afghanistan," he said.

On allegations of diversion of US aid running into billions of dollars for anti-terror campaign, Musharraf said Pakistan was not obligated to give out any details and instead said US should give Islamabad $20 billion a year and don't ask what we are doing with it.

<b>On Kashmir, Musharraf claimed that India and Pakistan were close to an agreement.</b>

"My proposal was the demilitarization of the disputed area, self-governance and a mutual overwatch," the former president said.

On what held up the agreement, he said "the key irritant was the Line of Control which the Indians wanted to make permanent. I said we should make it irrelevant by opening transit routes. And that is where the situation stands."

Asked if he viewed himself as a future Ambassador for peace between the two countries, Musharraf said "if the Pakistan Government wants me and if the Indians also trust me, then I can be of some use."

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Naresh]

<b>Letter No. 5 : Looming disaster</b>

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Sir : This is with reference to the shocking report of thousands of dead fish washing ashore near Karachi over the weekend, spreading panic among the locals. The fish appeared to have been killed by chemical pollution. According to the locals, several industrial units dump their waste into the sea; and whenever the waste levels go beyond a certain level, fish and other marine life is destroyed. After this event, fishermen stopped fishing, fearing that their catch will be polluted with the same chemicals.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Naresh]

<b>Govt revises export target to $19.2bn</b>

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->KARACHI : Government has revised the <b>export target of current financial year to $19.2 billion from $22.1 billion,</b> Daily Times learnt on Monday.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

<b>Guidance : Pakistan’s Export of Goods for 2007-2008 : USD 20.427 Billion</b>

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Guest]

<b>Blast in Peshawar hotel, many feared dead</b>

Five people are feared dead and 25 injured in a powerful blast at a 5 star hotel in Peshawar.

The blast took place in Pearl Continental Hotel in the Saddar area at Khyber Road on Tuesday.

Police officials said gunmen stormed into the hotel in the northwestern city on just before the blast took place.

The blast was so powerful that windowpanes of the nearby buildings were shattered.

According to reports in the Pakistani media, sounds of gunshots are still being heard in the area.

The blast is the latest in a string of attacks in Pakistani cities in recent weeks that officials say are revenge for a military offensive against Taliban militants in the Swat Valley.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/blast-in-peshaw...ad/94540-2.html

[Naresh]

[center]<b><span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>ELEVEN</span></b>[/center]

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[ramana]

LA Times has a picture of the hotel after the IED mubarak.

[Guest]

<b>India PM willing to meet Pakistan ‘more than half way’ </b>If Pakistan’s leaders have the courage to take this road of peace, we will meet them more than half way, Singh said.

[Naresh]

After having his “Marriott” in Islamabad “done over” Hashwani now has his Hotel – the one he was selling to the US for a Consulate - in Peshawar “done over”!

<b>Buying the Pearl in Peshawar</b>

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->A senior State Department official confirmed that the US plan for the consulate in Peshawar involves the purchase of the luxury Pearl Continental hotel. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak publicly.

The Pearl Contintental is the city's only five-star hotel, set in its own expansive grounds, with a swimming pool. It's owned by Pakistani tycoon Sadruddin Hashwani.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

[center]<img src='http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2009-06/pakistan-bombing_47409536.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />[/center]

[center]<b><span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>PHOTO GALLERY</span></b>[/center]

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Naresh]

More Good News from the World’s Favourite Destination for Investments :

<b>1. Car sales dip by 49% in 11 months of FY09</b>

<b>2. China, India, B’desh capturing Pakistan leather export market</b>

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Naresh]

[center]<b><span style='font-size:21pt;line-height:100%'>FIFTEEN</span></b>[/center]

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Naresh]

<b>PSO may default on LCs due to financial crisis</b>

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->ISLAMABAD : The state-run Pakistan State Oil may default on the letters of credit backed by sovereign guarantees and opened for the import of motor gasoline, furnace oil and diesel as the entity is in financial crisis because of circular debt in the energy sector.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Guest]

<b>US delivers four MI-17 cargo helicopters to the Army </b><!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->ISLAMABAD: In response to a request from the government of Pakistan, the United States delivered four MI-17 cargo helicopters to the Pakistani Army Wednesday, DawnNews reported.

The additional helicopters are meant to enhance Pakistan’s capabilities in current operations against militant extremists, and its efforts to care for hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis who have been displaced from their homes by the fighting.

<b>The US is in the process of identifying additional MI-17s that may be made available to Pakistan in the future. On May 28, US Ambassador Patterson to Pakistan announced a $26.6 million award to the UN’s World Food Program funding urgent humanitarian relief efforts. May 19, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton committed $110 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to assist IDPs.</b>
......<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

[Naresh]

<b>Economic growth rate cut by half during 2008-09 : ES</b>

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->ISLAMABAD : Economic Survey of the financial year 2008-09, presenting overview of the national economy will be launched here on June 11 at 5.00pm, official sources said.

<b>The economic growth rate of the ousted fiscal year 2008-09 was slashed by half, the survey said.</b><!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Naresh]

<b>1 killed, 35 hurt in Bolan Express blast : railway official</b>

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Naresh]

<b>55 Pakistanis deported from Greece arrive Lahore</b>

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Naresh]

<b>PAKISTAN : ECONOMIC SURVEY 2008-2009</b>

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Naresh]

<b>Suicide attack in Peshawar kills 3, injures 13 cops</b>

PESHAWAR : <b>Three people were killed and 13 policemen injured in a suicide attack at Ring Road in Peshawar on Thursday.</b>

The blast also destroyed two police mobile vans, sources said.

The injured are being taken to nearby hospitals as relief activities have gone underway at the site of the blast.

According to details, two persons on a motor-cycle hurled a hand grenade at Ring Road and when police was stationed in the area a suicide bomber came up and blew himself up, killing three people and injuring 13 policemen.

Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has ordered inquiry into the attack.

Forensic experts are gathering evidence from the wreckage which spread across the site of the incident.

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Naresh]

<b>1. Four including Dr Sarfraz martyred in Lahore blast</b>

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->LAHORE : <b>At least four people including Jamia Naeemia principal Dr Sarfraz Naeemi were martyred and several others injured</b> in a suicide blast at Jamia Naeemia situated in Garhi Shahu area of Lahore, Geo News reported Friday.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

<b>2. 4 killed, 92 hurt in Nowshera mosque blast</b>

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->NOWSHERA : <b>Four persons have been killed and 92 hurt</b> in a suicide blast in Nowshera supply depot mosque.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[Naresh]

[center]<img src='http://www.nation.com.pk/uploads/news_image/original/Maxim_Cartoon_5347.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />[/center]

Cheers <!--emo&:beer--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cheers.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cheers.gif' /><!--endemo-->