In a blunt message, Pentagon says Pakistan's terror havens affecting US-Pak ties

In a blunt message to Pakistan, the US has said that continued existence of terror safe havens in the country and its inability to take action against them affects their bilateral ties including security assistance.

"The US continues to be clear with Pakistan about steps it should take to improve the security environment and deny safe haven to terrorist and extremist groups," the Pentagon said in its six-monthly report on Afghanistan sent to the Congress yesterday.

"These conversations continue to affect not only US dialogue with Pakistan on security and stability in Afghanistan but also during discussion of other issues in the US-Pakistan bilateral relationship such as security assistance," the Pentagon said.

• US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter has not given a certification that Pakistan has taken action against the Haqqani network. As a result, the Pentagon has withheld USD 300 million in Coalition Support Fund to Pakistan for the current fiscal year ending September 30.

The Pentagon, in a strong message to Pakistan, said the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remained a sanctuary for various terror groups...
 [PTI/ zeenews.india.com]
18/6/16
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