ISLAMABAD, July 25: The United States on Wednesday moved to ease fears that Washington was considering a unilateral action against militants in the tribal area. The reassurance coincided with meetings between the United States ambassador to Islamabad and two senior Pakistani officials — the defence minister and the chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC).

A spokesperson for the US Embassy, Elizabeth Colton, commenting on reports that US had given any ultimatum to Pakistan, said: “Pakistan and the US are allies in the war on terror and we cooperate closely.”

US AMBASSADOR: Ambassador Anne W. Patterson on Wednesday visited the Joint Staff Headquarters and called on Gen Ehsanul Haq, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.

It was her first visit to the Joint Staff Headquarters. Ms Patterson held discussions with Gen Ehsan on ‘matters of mutual interest’, a press release of the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
—Agencies

Dawn’s Islamabad Bureau adds: The United States ambassador held a meeting with Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal to discuss cooperation in the ‘war on terror’, with a specific reference to the controversial statements emanating from Washington about a possible US military action against alleged Al Qaeda bases in Pakistan.

Ms Patterson told Mr Iqbal that the United States supported President Pervez Musharraf, especially his ‘efforts against terrorism’.

According to a press release, she recalled a recent statement of President Bush in which he clearly extended support to Pakistan.

She also offered condolences on behalf of her government to Islamabad over the death of Pakistani soldiers and civilians in the recent attacks in the tribal areas and other parts of the country.

Mr Iqbal briefed the US envoy about the counter-terrorism measures taken by Pakistan. He said Pakistan was committed to fighting terrorism in ‘all its forms and manifestations’.