Rocca rules out talks with Taliban, Al-Qaeda
Bureau Report

PESHAWAR—US Assistant Secretary of State, Christina Rocca dispels the news reports that United States is in a bid to engage Taliban and Al-Qaeda in an indirect talks, here on Friday. October eight earthquake was a major catastrophe and United States is extending all possible help to the people of Pakistan, working both with the Pak Army and NGOs irrespective of political motives, said Assistant Secretary of State, Christina Rocca in a press briefing.
She said that during her visit to the quake-hit areas she noticed colossal destruction and was deeply moved by witnessing the pathetic condition of people adding that each face was narrating a tale. Answering a question about the outcomes of the much talked about donors conference, she hoped that it would be a success and would help meet the great challenge of rehabilitation confronted by Pakistan.
To another question, Rocca said that United States has broad based relationships with Pakistan which have further improved since 2001.
United States wants to involve private sector in the rehabilitation process by raising funds through Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) as they have close links with the heads of business community and they would shortly organize a round table meeting with 160 business icons in this connection.
She said that US welcomes opening of five points on LOC between India and Pakistan and wants to see better relationships between the neighbouring countries adding that mistakes happen everywhere as happened in the mistaken flight of the US helicopters in AJK, however she continued that things ended up happily.
Answering a query regarding a possible connection between suicide bombers in Afghanistan and Iraq, she said that she cannot see any links between the two and added that USA wants peace in Afghanistan and is committed to working with the Afghan government till the restoration of peace.
To a question she said that Taliban are on the wane and added that the US was optimist about future of Afghanistan though it would take time because certain things cannot be sorted out overnight and are time consuming.
Earlier, talking to the newsmen after visiting the rehabilitation center in Hayatabad, Us Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Christina Rocca said that her government is involved in the rehabilitation activities in quake affected areas form the very out set.
“We are doing a lot to help out Pakistan in this difficult time”, she said, adding that US government pledged a huge amount for the rehabilitation.
She also visited section of the rehabilitation centre set up by the Social Welfare Department and school for the affected children.