Pakistan, which on Monday responded to reports of a "tough message" from U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney to President Pervez Musharraf during his brief visit here, with the declaration that it would not take "dictations" from anyone, has since clarified that it will take "whatever action is necessary" to prevent the Taliban from launching attacks in Afghanistan.
1. Cheney shows up in Pakland
2. Cheney tells Perv to get the Talibs under control
3. Perv gets huffy
4. Cheney leaves Pakland
5. Talibs try to boom Cheney
6. Cheney invites Perv to go shooting quail
7. Perv will take "whatever action's necessary"
 The Foreign Ministry issued the clarification late on Monday. "Pakistan is determined to continue its fight against terrorism, in particular against Al-Qaeda. We are equally determined to curb Taliban militancy and Talibanisation in the tribal areas [of Pakistan]," the Foreign Ministry said.
"Yes, sir, Mr. Cheney, sir! We'll get right on it!"
Mr. Cheney was in the Pakistan capital on Monday for talks with Gen. Musharraf. The American media reported that Mr. Cheney slapped delivered an "unusually tough message" to Gen. Musharraf. The Foreign Ministry clarification said Mr. Cheney shared U.S. concerns and assessment about the situation in Afghanistan with Gen. Musharraf, and that he also praised Pakistan for its "pivotal" role in the "war on terror". A statement from Gen. Musharraf's office provided more details. It said Mr. Cheney expressed "apprehensions" that the Al-Qaeda was regrouping in the tribal areas "and called for concerted efforts in countering the threat". |