Pakistan dubs US statements as irresponsible

Islamabad, July 26 (UNI) Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri has described as irresponsible the statements emanating from Washington about possible strikes in Pakistan's tribal areas.

These statements are counter-productive to the efforts and cooperation that Pakistan is extending in the war against terrorism," he said while addressing a news conference along with visiting Britiain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband following their talks in Islamabad today.

He said there might be election season in the United States but it should not be at the expense of Pakistan .

Mr Kasuri said Pakistan is making efforts to eliminate terrorism in its national interest.

"Of the 160 million population of Pakistan, 100 million are below the age of 18 years and and they cannot develop economically and socially unless there is peace and stability in the country and the region," Mr Kasuri pointed out.

The Foreign Minister said Pakistan sincerely proposed different options to check the problem including sealing of the border, mining, fencing and introduction of biometric system but all these suggestions have been turned down.

British Foreign Secretary said his country believes in strong partnership between Pakistan and other countries including United States to counter terrorism.

Miliband appreciated Pakistan's vital role in the fight against terrorism.

The talks focused on possibility of further increase in existing bilateral trade of 2.107 billion, which has doubled over the last four years.

The UK is historically one of the largest investors in Pakistan and was the largest last year. Both Mr Kasuri and Mr Miliband agreed that this mutually beneficial linkage needs to be expanded further.

Pakistan also underlined the need for equitable market access in the European Union through a Free Trade Agreement or a similar mechanism for sustaining Pakistan's high rate of economic growth and fighting poverty and extremism.

The British Foreign Secretary agreed that trade access could strengthen efforts in this area.

Mr Milliband said the citizens of Britain need to understand that Pakistan has lost nearly one thousand soldiers and civilians in the war against terrorism.

Mr Kasuri updated British Foreign Secretary about Pakistan 's efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

The two sides agreed that defeating terror requires a long term strategy and a coordinated and cooperative approach and resolved to continue excellent cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism.

The two Foreign Ministers exchanged views on India-Pakistan relations and the composite dialogue for resolution of core issue including that of Kashmir.

UNI