No deal with Pak.: U.S.

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, SEPT. 17. The Bush administration is rejecting reports that some kind of a ``deal'' has been struck with Pakistan in the campaign against terrorism, Afghanistan and Osama bin Laden.

``Pakistan has agreed unconditionally to be part of the global coalition against terrorism,'' a State Department official told The Hindu making the point that Washington was continuing consultation ``as we are with all others'' on coming to grips with the scourge of terrorism.

On Sunday the U.S. Vice-President, Mr. Dick Cheney, was asked on a television talk show to comment on the Pakistan Government telling its people: ``We will get more aid from the U.S. The U.S. will lift economic sanctions against us. And we have been given assurances that the Indian Government and the Israeli Government will not be part of any military operation based in Pakistan.''

Mr. Cheney did not get into the specifics but noted, ``I have seen some communication back and forth at this point. Let me simply say we have had discussions with Pakistan. The President, Mr. Bush, called Gen. Musharraf just yesterday afternoon from Camp David. They've had a good conversation. We have made certain requests of the Pakistanis. They have agreed to work with us in this endeavour and some of that's covered in the statement they've made there.''

Separately, the Secretary of State, Gen. Colin Powell, said that he knew nothing of a ``ban'' on a participation by Israel or India in a multinational force that would get into Afghanistan. ``I know nothing about such a ban or who made such a statement,'' Gen. Powell said.

Meanwhile India's National Security Adviser, Mr. Brajesh Mishra, is due to arrive here tomorrow. According to one official, the schedule of appointments are being worked out. Mr. Mishra is expected to meet his counterpart here Ms. Condoleeza Rice and other senior members of the Republican administration.

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Section  : International
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