UK Foreign Secy says most of world terror came from Pak

Peshawar, Apr 21 : Most of the terrorism the world was facing today has emanated from Pakistan at one point of time or other, said British Foreign Secretary David Miliband.

He laid stress on the need to address the core issue of security in border areas between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Miliband said this after holding talks with NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti, and NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani.

He, however, voiced support for reconciliation with those militants who were willing to renounce terrorism. "Our [the British] position is very clear: we should negotiate with those who are willing to negotiate and we should reconcile with those who are willing to reconcile," the Daily Times quoted him as saying.

His comments assume significance as they come on the heels of the provincial government's secret talks with militant leaders.

Miliband said Britain did not reconcile with those Irish Republican Army members who refused to renounce terror. "Those who are willing to renounce terrorism, I think, it is important to reconcile with them. Reconciliation designed to marginalise those who are using extremist means for ideological reasons seems to be the correct approach and deserves strong support," he said.

Official sources said the chief minister discussed efforts to engage militants in Swat and the Tribal Areas with the British foreign secretary. "The provincial government emphasised the need to engage the militants to find a negotiated settlement which can be more lasting," the officials who attended the talks said.

Miliband appeared satisfied that negotiated settlements regarding the militancy problem would be lasting. "Non-negotiated settlements are not really settlements. They are just a pause in fighting," the British foreign secretary, who paid his maiden brief visit to Peshawar, told journalists.

ANI