Take decisive steps against terrorists: Clinton to Pak

Islamabad, May 27: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today (May 27) asked Pakistan to take "decisive" steps against terrorists operating from its soil.

"We will do our part and we look to the government of Pakistan to take decisive steps in the days ahead," Clinton, who is here on a surprise visit, said at a news conference.

She described her being in Pakistan "especially important" because US-Pak ties "have reached a turning point. Osama bin Laden is dead but al-Qaeda and his syndicate of terror remain a serious threat to us both."

Even though she said no nation had paid a higher price to terrorism than Pakistan, Clinton added, "We both recognise there is still much more work required and it's urgent."

Clinton also said Pakistan needed to understand that anti-Americanism and conspiracy theories will not end its problems.

US had "absolutely no evidence" that anyone at the highest level of government" in Pakistan knew where Osama bin Laden was, Clinton said.

Pakistan, Clinton said, had been "very forthcoming in saying somebody somewhere" was providing support to bin Laden and that a probe was under way.

Earlier, Clinton and US Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Admiral Mike Mullen, who arrived in Islamabad last night, held crucial talks with Pakistani leaders aimed at easing tensions caused by the the American raid that killed al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the Abbottabad hideout, near Islamabad.

The Secretary of State called on President Asif Ali Zardari this morning and discussed "issues related to security and Pakistan-US ties in the current scenario", an official of the presidency said.

PTI