LeT as dangerous as Taliban, Al-Qaida: US

New Delhi, July 22 (PTI) The US Thursday said
Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit was as dangerous as Taliban and
Al-Qaida with which it was working in close coordination and
that Pakistan has been asked to deny it a foothold in that
country.
US Special Envoy on Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard
Holbrooke also emphasised the urgent need for bringing to
justice the perpetrators of Mumbai attacks, saying Pakistan
has taken "some steps" in this regard but these were not
enough.
Holbrooke, who met Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
here Wednesday evening to give his assessment of the situation
in Afghanistan, said India has a "vitally important role" to
play in the peace and stability in that country and insisted
that the US was not trying to "diminish" that scope.
At the same time, he emphasised that Afghanistan cannot
be stabilised without the participation of Pakistan, which has
"legitimate concerns" in that country.
In an interaction with a group of journalists here, he
said the LeT's goal was to create "maximum problems" between
India and Pakistan besides working against the interests of
western countries.
"When we talk about major terrorist groups we consider
it as dangerous as other groups," Holbrooke said when
suggested that the US did not appear to be keen on tackling
LeT on the same lines as Taliban and Al Qaida.
"We understand, as government, that it (LeT) is a threat
and we talk about it all the time with Pakistani military
(asking them) to deny their territory to this organisation,"
said Holbrooke, who arrived here Wednesday after a visit to
Islamabad.
The Special Envoy said, "We all know what it (LeT) did
and what they want to do."
He identified LeT as a part of terror conglomerate
comprising Afghan Taliban, Pakistani Taliban and Haqqani
network. "Taliban has almost become a brand," he observed.
"Under intense pressure these groups seem to be growing
closer to each other. Two or three years ago, they were more
distinct than now," Holbrooke said.
He said these groups work more closely and help each
other as their long-term objective is similar -- to hurt
western ideologies and create "maximum problems between India
and Pakistan.
"Tackling it (LeT) is equal to any other priority in
the region," he said.
To a question on Mumbai attacks, he said Pakistan has
taken "some steps but these are not enough". He said the US
was talking "frankly" to Pakistan on such issues. (MORE) PTI
AKK
MRD


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