Like every American diplomat visiting India, there were words of reassurance from US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia Robert Blake. He said that Washington has been talking to Pakistan about reining in the Lashkar-e-Taiba, the group India holds responsible for the terror strikes on Mumbai.
“It is very important for Pakistan to take on Lashkar-e-Taiba threats, not only for the US but for India and other countries,” Blake said. He said there was growing concern in the US that the LeT has “global ambitions and presence”. “It is targeting Americans... I will discuss this with Pakistani authorities,’’ Blake said. Blake will be travelling to Islamabad and Kabul from here.
About New Delhi’s concerns that Pakistan could use US arms meant for countering terrorism against India, Blake said “we are aware of Indian concerns and we had a good dialogue during foreign secretary Nirupama Rao’s visit to Washington earlier this week.” The military relationship with Pakistan is increasingly changing... We are trying to enhance its counter-insurgency capabilities and are trying to give them civilian assistance too.”
Blake said that Pakistan has always maintained it won’t allow its soil to be used for terror activities. “I hope Pakistan will abide by that commitment.’’
