Afghanistan brands Pak peace moves with extremists "destructive"
7 Jun 2008, 1111 Hrs

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Kabul, June 7 (ANI): Afghan President Hamid Karzai has reportedly told Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi that Islamabad's peace moves with Taliban extremists could have "destructive" consequences for both nations, and emphasised on the need for a "strong fight" against such groups.

Quereshi met Karzai while on a visit to Afghanistan. He said the Pakistan Government was not holding peace talks with "terrorists", but only with "peace-loving" elements as part of a multi-pronged strategy to fight extremism.

Afghan Foreign Minister Rangeen Dadfar Spanta also met Quereshi and said he too had raised similar concerns. "I informed Qureshi of the very serious concerns of Afghan people and government regarding the peace initiatives between Pakistani government authorities and Pakistani Taliban," he said after talks with his Pakistani counterpart.

Qureshi also met other Afghan officials amid concern in Afghanistan that Pakistan's dialogue with Taliban militants on its soil will only lead to more extremist attacks in Afghanistan. "We will not engage with terrorists. Those who pick up arms and rifles are neither your friends or our friends. We are engaging with those elements that are peace-loving and want stability in their regions and want to live a normal peaceful life," the Daily Times quoted Quereshi as saying while talking to reporters.

Qureshi said Islamabad believed that it needed to adopt a more comprehensive approach to fighting extremism that included political engagement, socio-economic development and "when required", military measures.

Pakistan has already signed a peace deal with pro-Taliban militants in the Swat Valley. It is also in talks with Al Qaeda-linked leader Baitullah Mehsud, who has vowed to continue "jihad" in Afghanistan while pursuing peace negotiations. (ANI)