No time-frame for troops return from quake-hit areas: envoy
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—US ambassador to Pakistan Ryan C Crocker has said that Osama Bin Laden is not leading Al-Qaeda now because he is hiding in an unknown far-flung land. “Osama Bin Laden is not Al-Qaeda’s operational commander any more, as he has no link with his aides currently”, Crocker told pressmen here on Monday.
He observed that Aaiman Al-Zhawari is also not leading Al-Qaeda adding, if his video statement broadcast after a three or four days or week then it does not mean that he is commanding Al-Qaeda. US ambassador said that Pakistan had tracked down Khalid Shiekh, Abu-Faraj and other Al-Qaeda leaders, which shows that its (Al-Qaeda’s) senior leadership is in great difficulty. “Al-Qaeda’s major network has been busted”, he added.
However, he expressed unawareness about the killing of Hamza Rabia in North Waziristan. But if President General Pervez Musharraf confirmed his (Hamza Rabiha’s) death then we believe upon his statement, he maintained.
About relief activities in quake-hit areas, Crocker noted that US was engaged in relief work in earthquake affected areas along with Pakistan government and army. He expressed grave concern over Jamatud Dawa’s activities in quake-stricken areas.
“Jamatud Dawa is the new name of banned Lashker-e-Tyeba and Pakistan government should get continued rehabilitation work in quake-hit areas with the collaboration of NGOs rather than Jamatud Dawa”, US ambassador maintained.
He said that US forces has not yet decided to return home like that of NATO troops because Pakistan government did not give us any time frame in this regard. “Our military helicopters will remain present in quake-hit areas throughout the winter to participate in relief activities”, he said.
Crocker also lauded Pakistan army for their actively participating in relief activities, he said. He went on to say that out of $ 510 million, US had given $180 million to Pakistan for quake affectees rehabilitation. US ambassador also appealed to world community to immediately give pledged aid to Pakistan for helping quake affected people.