Holbrooke begins his work in Pakistan

February 11, 2009|Associated Press

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan told an envoy dispatched by President Obama that it wants to be included in talks on any changes in US efforts to defeat Al Qaeda and Taliban militants wreaking havoc in its territory and in neighboring Afghanistan.

Pakistani officials gave no details on any policy discussions during Richard Holbrooke's meetings yesterday with the prime minister and other leaders, but Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi hailed his visit as a "new beginning" in ties between America and Pakistan.

"This administration has a different approach and starts on a different footing, that was a very pleasant change," he said after meeting Holbrooke.

US officials say Holbrooke's first visit to the region as envoy is aimed at gathering information to help form the basis of a new policy on Afghanistan and Pakistan expected before April.

Pakistan's security forces are struggling to contain a surge in violence blamed on militants sheltering in the rugged northwest close to Afghanistan. US and NATO officers say the insurgents based there are also behind many of the attacks in Afghanistan.