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Pakistani President Criticizes US Stance on Counterterrorism


Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has criticized recent U.S. statements threatening direct attacks on militants in Pakistan.

During talks in Karachi Tuesday with U.S. Senator Richard Durbin, General Musharraf called the statements by U.S. officials and presidential candidates counterproductive to joint anti-terrorism efforts.

A Pakistani Foreign Ministry statement said General Musharraf repeated his stance that only Pakistani security forces would take military action inside the country.

During the meeting, the Pakistani president also condemned a new law making U.S. aid conditional on Pakistan's progress in combating extremists.

General Musharraf called the law, which requires confirmation of progress before aid is given, an "irritant" to relations.

President Bush signed the bill last week.

The Pakistani government is battling pro-Taleban militants in tribal regions bordering Afghanistan, but the United States has been pressuring authorities to do more.

On Monday, Pakistani foreign ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam said Pakistan's tribal zone is not a safe haven for al-Qaida or the Taleban.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.

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