Negroponte`s Surprise Visit to Pakistan
28 March, 2008
US Deputy Secretary of State John NegroponteJohn Negroponte and Richard Boucher met the leaders of the newly formed govenrment of Pakistan that has received a tepid reception.
It was being reported initially by the foreign office of Pakistan that the visit was not scheduled, but it now develops that the Negroponte-Boucher visit was properly scheduled earlier and agreed by the Foreign Office of Pakistan as per routine.
The Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said he warned President George Bush in a phone conversation that he would prioritise talking as well as shooting in the battle against Islamist extremism. "He said that a comprehensive approach is required in this regard, specially combining a political approach with development," a statement said.
But Gilani also reassured Bush that Pakistan would "continue to fight against terrorism", it said.
The Bush administration is scrambling to engage with Pakistan`s new rulers as power flows from its strong ally, President Pervez Musharraf, to a powerful civilian government buoyed by anti-American sentiment.
1. In your opinion what is the main purpose of their visit at this occasion?
2. What should be Pakistan`s policy on WAR ON TERRORISM now?
3). How do you see the newly elected government will counter the pressure from the US and the West to remain the front allies in WAR AGAINST TERROR?
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