Accord to set up anti-terror group with UK: Taliban an Afghan issue: Musharraf
In meetings British Prime Minister Tony Blair held with President Gen Pervez Musharraf in Lahore and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in Islamabad, the two countries also expressed the resolve to boost ties in areas of economy, education, health and human recourse development.
The working group to be set up by Pakistan’s interior ministry and Britain’s home office is expected to have its first meeting in January and it will "strengthen the regular dialogue between the two countries".
Emphasising the importance of economic stability in Afghanistan, Gen Musharraf and Mr Blair said that security was `crucial’ for the war-torn country's (economic) progress.
At their joint press conference after the talks, President Musharraf said they had discussed bilateral, regional, and international issues and there was unanimity of views on all issues.
Mr Blair said relations between the UK and Pakistan were at the "highest point for many years and we are seeing strengthening of relations at every level, which I welcome enormously."
He declared that the UK had doubled development assistance for Pakistan for reforming the education system. He also announced the release of 20 million pounds to reduce poverty.
He said he had discussed with the president `crucial’ issues, particularly the situation in Afghanistan, and also "the ways to work together and counter terrorism.”
“We had the opportunity to talk about some of the broader issues, including the situation in the Middle East and Palestine. And in addition I would like to again pay tributes to (the) president for his work and relationship with India today on all outstanding issues, including, of course, Kashmir to be addressed in a different and better way. I think despite all the tremendous challenges there is good reason to be optimistic not just about relationship between Britain and Pakistan, but also about the future of Pakistan itself.”
Answering a question, Mr Blair said "terrorism we are facing, of which one manifestation is what has been happening in Afghanistan, has been a long time going and it would take long time to defeat it".
He said the Nato summit due in 10 days in Riga (Latvia) would analyse what more needed to be done in Afghanistan.
Appreciating cooperation extended by Pakistan, he said Pakistan had the same strategic interest as "we all do which is that Afghanistan is stable and share values of looking out to the world rather than becoming prey once again to the Al Qaeda and the Taliban."
President Musharraf said: "I totally agree with that. Pakistanis are against any kind of Talibanisation that signifies the backward culture of rejecting democracy and imposing very obscurantist culture on our society. Even in Afghanistan, I don't think that people would like it.”
In reply to a question, the general said he had never stated that the war against the Taliban was un-winnable. "I never said that. But it cannot be won through military action alone. We shall have to adopt a broader strategy, and undertake political and economic reconstruction initiatives. Unfortunately, these two things are missing in the South Eastern region of Afghanistan where the current turmoil exists. Unless we undertake economic development and political elements into account, we will not win.”
On Pakistan's role, he said: "I reject the notion that Pakistan is not doing anything (to achieve security in Afghanistan). We are doing all that we can because we are against terrorism. We are against extremism and we are against Talibanisation.”
But, he pointed out that the Taliban are an Afghan problem. "Its solution lies in what we do in Afghanistan and not in Pakistan. The war has to be won on the Afghan side. In Pakistan we are certainly taking action against the elements supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan. In doing so, we have suffered casualties. We have our around 600 troops killed. So it is not correct to say that we are not doing enough. It should not be said or thought because it amounts to finding fault with our intentions and our desire. We are doing the maximum. We are the only country that is doing the complete package - military action, reconstruction, political settlements, etc. Unless we understand the environment, our strategy will not work."
Answering a question about war on terrorism, Mr Blair said: "We begin to win when we start fighting properly, and I think now we are fighting properly, and we got to do more and recognise people in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world standing up for a different way forward and back them and not to give in to terrorism."
In Islamabad, Prime Minister Blair and Prime Minister Aziz, addressed a joint news conference.
Mr Aziz said the enhanced British grant would help improve the lot of people through promoting education and economic activities.
Mr Blair appreciated the recently passed Protection of Women’s Rights Bill as well as Madressah reforms hoping that these steps would help curb extremism.
Earlier, both the prime ministers signed an agreement under which Britain will provide 480 million pounds for promoting education, gender balance and Madressah reforms.