Pakistan’s New Leaders Tell US: We Are No Longer Your Killing Field

[babylonsister]

Pakistan’s New Leaders Tell US: We Are No Longer Your Killing Field
· Visiting envoys earn cold reception from coalition
· PM wants new approach to fight Islamic extremism
by Declan Walsh


The Bush administration is scrambling to engage with Pakistan’s new rulers as power flows from its strong ally, President Pervez Musharraf, to a powerful civilian government buoyed by anti-American sentiment.


Top diplomats John Negroponte and Richard Boucher travelled to a mountain fortress near the Afghan border yesterday as part of a hastily announced visit that has received a tepid reception.

On Tuesday, senior coalition partner Nawaz Sharif gave the visiting Americans a public scolding for using Pakistan as a “killing field” and relying too much on Musharraf.

Yesterday the new prime minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani, said he warned President George Bush in a phone conversation that he would prioritise talking as well as shooting in the battle against Islamist extremism. “He said that a comprehensive approach is required in this regard, specially combining a political approach with development,” a statement said.

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http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/03/27/7916/