US concerned about Pakistan-Taliban peace agreement

Washington, Apr 23 : The Bush Administration on Wednesday expressed its concern over a possible agreement between the Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani Government and the Taliban operatiing in Pakistan.

"We are concerned about it and what we encourage them to do is to continue to fight against the terrorists and to not disrupt any security or military operations that are ongoing in order to help prevent a safe haven for terrorists there," said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.

The Pakistan Government has drafted a peace pact with the Taliban operating in the restive tribal region bordering Afghanistan.

It may be recalled that the Pakistan Government initiated negotiations with the rebels soon after winning the February 18 elections.

A senior security official of Pakistan has said that work is in progress swiftly on a new peace agreement with the Taliban Movement of Pakistan.

According to officials, the draft deal contains clauses which will bound both sides of not taking armed action against each other. Security forces will be withdrawn from certain areas and militants would stop attacking troops.

Chief spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban Maulvi Omar admitted that they were having talks with the government. "There is significant positive development, we have accepted most of each others' demands. In next few days we hope that a positive outcome is achieved," the Dawn quoted Omar, as saying.

ANI