International

U.S., Pakistan to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON MAY 9. The United States and Pakistan have agreed to strengthen cooperation in several areas of interest and concern, including counter-terrorism, extradition, money laundering and issues related to the detention of Pakistani nationals as a result of immigration proceedings.

"The two governments agreed to strengthen cooperation in these areas and to hold another Joint Working Group meeting in approximately six months with specific follow-up meetings in the interim'', the statement on the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Law Enforcement said. The areas of cooperation were identified at the end of the first meeting of the Joint Working Group on Terrorism with the Pakistani delegation, led by the Minister for Interior, Moinudin Haider, meeting several senior officials at the State Department.

The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Richard Armitage, delivered the opening remarks.

The high-profile visit of Mr. Haider to Washington included meetings with the President's National Security Adviser, Condoleezza Rice, the Attorney General, John Ashcroft, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Robert Mueller. Mr. Haider also held talks at the State Department with senior officials belonging to different bureaus.

Karachi blast condemned

Even as Mr. Haider was in town, a suicide bombing killed French Navy experts in Karachi, an incident that was condemned by the White House and the President, George W. Bush. "The United States deplores and condemns the terrorist murders carried out by a suicide bomber in Karachi earlier today,'' the President said in a written statement. "Today's attack underscores the dangers all our citizens and societies continue to face from such attacks and strengthens our resolve to continue working together to fight terrorism at home and abroad,'' Mr. Bush said.

The reaction from the State Department was along similar lines. "We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack against France and Pakistan, two of our closest allies in the global war on terrorism,'' the spokesman, Richard Boucher, said.

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