WASHINGTON, Aug 4: The United States continues to send mixed signals to Pakistan on its performance in the `war against terror’ as a senior State Department official assured Islamabad that Washington respects its sovereignty, but did not role out the possibility of direct military strikes at alleged Al Qaeda targets inside the tribal areas.
Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns, in a briefing to Dawn and some Indian newspapers, praised Pakistan’s role in the fight against Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, but did not give a direct answer when asked if the United States would carry out direct military strikes at alleged Al Qaeda hideouts in Pakistan’s tribal territory.
In a series of interviews and congressional hearings last week, Mr Burns had categorically said the United States would `not hesitate’ to use military force if it learned that
Al Qaeda leaders were gathering at a particular location whether in Pakistan or somewhere else.
At the White House, officials confirmed President George Bush telephoned President Musharraf on Friday, but said Mr Bush did not criticise comments made by Democrats and a Republican this week.
“He didn't say anything about unsavoury or electioneering or anything like that,” a White House official told the US media.
“He said I know you’ve heard different things coming out of the system, basically, and you need to know we're going to work with you to defeat the terrorists,” the official added.
