U.S. sending 'mixed signals', says Pak.

By Amit Baruah

ISLAMABAD, MAY 8. The Interior Minister, Lt. Gen. Moinuddin Haider (retd), has accused the United States of sending ``mixed signals'' to Pakistan on the issue of terrorism.

Addressing a seminar in Karachi yesterday, Mr. Haider said by associating Pakistan with terrorist activities and then by saying the U.S. did not ``mean'' it, Washington was sending ``mixed signals'' to Islamabad.

The statement by the Interior Minister came in response to remarks by the U.S. Consul-General in Karachi, Mr. John Bennett, who quoted from the State Department report that Pakistan was sending ``mixed messages'' on terrorism.

``Pakistan is against terrorism and is trying hard to control it,'' Mr. Haider was quoted as saying.

The Interior Minister asked Washington to make up its mind and adopt a clear policy keeping in view the fact that Pakistan was an ally.

``We are your allies and Pakistani soldiers played an important role in the U.N. peace-keeping force, earning commendation from the U.N. and Western countries for their contribution in attaining global peace,'' he said.

The Interior Minister was quoted as saying that there may be some ``negligence'' on part of the Government, but this did not necessarily mean that Pakistan was supporting terrorists.

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Section  : International
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