Clinton still 'clueless' over Pakistan's intentions in Swat deal

Washington, Feb.20 (ANI): Days after the Pakistan Government signed a deal with the Taliban to establish peace in the Swat Valley, Washington is still trying to ascertain the intricacies of the deal, with US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton saying that Islamabad is making 'contradictory statements' about its intentions regarding the accord.

"I want to get the whole picture of what it is they're attempting to achieve," The News quoted Clinton, as saying on the sidelines of her first official visit to Tokyo.

Expressing concern over the issue Clinton said the Obama administration is still studying the details of the peace-deal.

"So, before I comment on what its meaning might be, I want to be sure that we have as good an understanding of both the Pakistan Government's intention and the actual agreed-upon language. And that I don't have at this time, so I want to wait until we can provide that," She said.

Clinton reiterated that militancy in Pakistan pose a direct threat to the United States and other countries as well.

"Obviously, we believe that the activity by the extremist elements in Pakistan poses a direct threat to the Government of Pakistan, as well as to the security of the US, Afghanistan and a number of other nations," She said.

The top US diplomat's careful comments came after the State Department's spokesperson Gordon Duguid remarks that Islamic law is within the constitutional framework of Pakistan.

"As I understand it, Islamic law is within the constitutional framework of Pakistan. So I don't know that is particularly an issue for anyone outside of Pakistan to discuss," Duguid had said. (ANI)