Britain to continue multi pronged long terms relations with Pakistan: David Miliband

PESHAWAR : British Foreign Secretary, Mr.David Miliband Sunday said that Britain will continue multi pronged long term relations with Pakistan for its active role in war against terrorism. Addressing a press conference here at a local hotel, British Foreign Secretary said relations between Britain and Pakistan are focused on three fields including economic, political and security.
He said British is a strong partner of Pakistan and will continue its support to the country in these sectors.
He informed newsmen that his current visit to Pakistan is second to the country and first to NWFP. He said he came to express friendship of Britain with people of Pakistan and NWFP.
British Foreign Secretary also dispelled the impression as portrayed internationally about NWFP province. He said he has not found any such threat in the province as being projected in the western countries.
He said terrorism is a global concern and also for Pakistan. The country, he continued, has faced a lot of difficulties due to its role in war against terror and is still passing through a difficult phase.
The British government, he added, has extended its support to Pakistan for countering terrorism and will continue it in future.
About his engagements during his visit to NWFP, British Foreign Secretary said he held meetings with NWFP Chief Minister and Governor. He also met with notables of tribal area and with the children of victims of war against terror.
In response to a question about American’s concern over presence of militants at Pak-Afghan bordering areas, he said Britain is also concerned, but added that, the process of reconciliation is in progress.
British Foreign Secretary said Britain support reconciliation, but is should be on clear grounds. He opined talks should be held with those who wanted to surrender or lay arms.
While responding to a question, British Foreign Secretary said Britain wanted independence of judiciary in Pakistan.
About his future engagements, he said he will hold meetings with heads of major political parties in Islamabad.
Earlier the Britain Foreign Secretary David Miliband met with NWFP Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti at his residence. The president of ANP Asfandyar Wali Khan and provincial leader Afrasiyab Khattak were also present in the meeting.
The British Foreign Secretary lauded the anti-terrorism actions of the provincial government and said NWFP was frontline province in war against terror. He said Britain realized problems faced by people and it would continue development schemes in NWFP through its donor and aid agencies.
During the meeting, the NWFP Chief Minister Amir Haider Hoti assured British Foreign Secretary that new government would continue efforts to fight terrorism.