January 25, 2002	Friday	Ziqa’ad 10, 1422

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: The US Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pakistan’s intelligence and investigating agencies, including Intelligence Bureau and FIA, have reached a long-term understanding on broad range of issues to combat white-collar crime, cyber crime, money laundering, human trafficking and terrorism.

Speaking at a news conference here on Thursday, the visiting FBI director, Robert S Mueller, emphasised the need for establishing personal relations with officials and agents working at inspector level to get vital information that could prevent any future acts of terrorism.

Mr Mueller said negotiations with agencies in Pakistan focussed on technique- and technology-sharing.

In reply to a question about handing over of certain individuals demanded by the US, Mr Mueller said in the wake of crackdown launched by the Pakistani authorities, some Al Qaeda members might be made available to the US for further investigation.

Expressing concern over slipping of certain Al Qaeda operatives to Iran, Mr Mueller said it was a cause for concern to the US. He said the US government was holding discussions with Iran to take appropriate steps in this regard.

In reply to a question about persecution of Muslims and Pakistanis in the US, Mr Mueller said no community had been singled out and that intensive and aggressive investigations were focussed on tracing links of Al Qaeda to individuals in the US.

Responding to a question about fate of Osama bin Ladin, Mr Mueller said it was not sure whether he was alive or not.

Appreciating what he termed “unprecedented cooperation” extended by Pakistan in the war against terrorism, Mr Mueller said no other country provided support to the US like Pakistan.

Earlier in the day, the FBI director visited the National Police Academy where he was briefed about police reforms being undertaken in the country.

According to sources, the FBI chief during his visit held detailed deliberations with President Gen Pervez Musharraf, Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider, DG Intelligence Bureau, DG Crisis Management Cell and chairman National Accountability Bureau.