November 05, 2008	Wednesday	Ziqa'ad 6, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Nov 4: The American general taking charge of his country’s two wars said he would consider Pakistan’s rising criticism of US missile strikes on militants’ targets in the country’s tribal areas.

In an interview with CNN, Gen David Petraeus confirmed the Pakistani criticism during meetings on Monday.

“In fact, we got certain messages with each of those we talked today and some of those were very clear and we have to take those on board,” CNN quoted him as saying.

“The tone of the conversation today was very frank and very forthright, which is as it should be,” he added.

Gen Petraeus met President Asif Ali Zardari and army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, among other senior leaders, on Monday.

Gen Petraeus said he had discussed suspicions that elements in Pakistan’s spy service had been secretly colluding with the Taliban militants, but declined to say whether he thought that was the case. “Over time, there may be contact” with militants, he said. “The key is that all are aware of what’s going on and that goes two ways.”—AP