WASHINGTON, July 11: Two key US Senators have introduced legislation in the Senate seeking to designate the Haqqani network a foreign terrorist organisation (FTO).

Senator Dianne Feinstein, head of the Senate Intelligence Committee and vice chairman of the committee Senator Saxby Chambliss argued that the group fits the criteria outlined for the FTO.

They said in a joint press release that they were urging the State Department to designate the Haqqani Network as an FTO as soon as possible.

The move comes a day after the House of Representatives postponed a vote on legislation that would have required the Obama administration to explain to Congress why it was reluctant to place the group on the FTO list.

Last month, the chairmen of the House Intelligence, Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees also introduced legislation calling on the administration to place the group on the FTO list. The designation would make it unlawful for Americans to provide material support or resources to the group.

“You cannot negotiate with terrorists, and in my view that’s exactly what the Haqqani Network is. I have urged the State Department to designate Haqqani as an FTO for more than two years,” said Senator Feinstein.

Senator Chambliss said the Haqqanis had conducted numerous attacks against US military personnel.