British prime minister critical of Pakistan terror links

Oklahoma City News.Net
Wednesday 28th July, 2010

The British prime minister has insulted the Pakistani government by claiming that Islamabad has been "exporting terror".

Speaking on a trip to India, David Cameron said Islamabad was now facing isolation in the international community because it had supported extremist groups.

Mr Cameron accused Islamabad of publicly condemning the Taliban while secretly supporting Afghan militants.

Speaking in Bangalore, Cameron said: "We cannot tolerate in any sense the idea that Pakistan is allowed to look both ways and is able, in any way, to promote the export of terror, whether to India or whether to Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world."

While the comments were applauded by Indian political figures, who have long accused Pakistani intelligence officials of aiding the group that launched the 2008 attacks in Mumbai, Pakistan has been swift to condemn the comments.

Pakistan's high commissioner in London, told Al Jazeera that he thought Cameron should be supporting Pakistan instead of criticising it.

He said: "I think Cameron will review his statement, clarify his position, because we need to be supported not criticised for what we are doing. We want to see a strong and a stable and a democratic Pakistan."

Mr Cameron's comments come only days after the publication of classified US files detailing allegations that Pakistan's intelligence agency had helped arm and train the Taliban.

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