British High Commissioner Robert Brinkley on Wednesday expressed concerns over the activities of "al Qaeda" in the tribal region, saying they are not only damaging Pakistan and Afghanistan but the whole world. Talking to media here along with British Ambassador to Kabul, Sherard Cowper Coles, Brinkley said they (terrorists) be eradicated them as their own country is also victim of it.
He said that so far 100 British troops have been killed in Afghanistan. The British envoys who visited NWFP held meetings with Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani, Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti and provincial president ANP, Afrasiab Khattak and discussed political and security situation in the province and its adjacent tribal belt.
He said that they are struggling for bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan for which Pakistan support is required. He said that the efforts of the grand jirga comprising representatives from both Pakistan and Afghanistan would continue to help improve relations between both neighbouring countries.
Britain and Pakistan, he said, are working closely for countering terrorism and extremism, saying that presently 55 suspected terrorists are under trial. He said that the information provided by Pakistan is useful in investigations into their trial. "Both Pakistan and Britain are under threat from violent extremists and working closely in this regard," added Robert Brinkley.
He said that they are encouraging cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan for the resolution of the difficult and complicated problems faced by both countries. In this connection they talked with Governor, Chief Minister and Afrasiab Khattak, he added.
The resolution of the problem faced by Afghanistan and Pakistan in the tribal belt required a comprehensive approach including security measures and political dialogue to restrict the transportation of the problem to others.
To question regarding signing of peace agreements in NWFP, Brinkley said that they also favoured reconciliation with those who were interested in peace and those who are creating lawlessness should not be spared.
However, he said that the sole use of military is not a solution. When asked about the coalition forces attack in Mohmand Agency, he said that the incident would be carefully investigated. He declined to give information about the British troops taken hostage by Taliban in Afghanistan. "I have no information on Britons hostages," he replied.
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