US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today warned that "activities" by extremist elements in Pakistan pose a "direct threat" to government in Islamabad as well as security of America and other nations.
Touching on events in Pakistan and Afghanistan during her wide-ranging talks with Japanese leaders on her first official visit abroad, Hillary said, "Extremist elements in Pakistan pose a direct threat" to Pakistan itself and other countries. Asked to comment at a meeting on Pakistan government bowing to demands of pro-Taliban forces by agreeing to enforce Islamic laws in Swat valley and calling a halt to military operations against the militants, Clinton said she needed to learn more about the issue before commenting on it."
"The decision that was announced by the government of Pakistan has to be thoroughly understood and we are in the process of pursuing it," the US Secretary of State said.
"We believe that the activity by extremist elements in Pakistan pose a direct threat to the government of Pakistan as well as security of the United States and a number of other nations," she said.
In her talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone, Clinton thanked Tokyo for its support and efforts in Afghanistan, the Kyodo news agency said.
She said the two countries will collaborate closely in formulating a consensual policy for South Asia and disclosed that she would attend a meeting of Pakistan's donor countries in Tokyo, later this year. However, the main focus of Clinton's deliberations with Japanese leaders was on threatened long-range missile launch by Pyongyang.
The US Secretary of State warned North Korea against going ahead with a missile launch, saying this would damage the prospects for improved relations with Washington and the world. Clinton also stressed on US commitments to Japan's security, signed a military deal to relocate an estimated 8000 US troops from Japan to Gaum and underscored the alliance between the two countries by inviting Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso to be the first foreign dignitary to visit Washington next week.
