‘We’Re Reviewing If Lashkar Can Be Named A Foreign Terrorist Entity&#1

What do you feel about the ceasefire offer that the Hizbul Mujahideen in Kashmir had made?
The Hizbul (hasn’t been designated a foreign) terrorist organisation so (the ceasefire) isn’t an issue that I follow that closely. But obviously we are supportive of any ceasefire or movement on peace process - any diminution of violence on all sides is a good thing.

Some reports indicate that the Lashkar-e-Toiba is responsible for violence in Kashmir. How close are you to determining if it is a "foreign terrorist organisation"? And does Pakistan have any influence over it?
We are reviewing whether the Lashkar should be designated a foreign terrorist organisation by the US government. That is a very meticulous and legal process. We look at the evidence; we have analysts that look at it at the State Department and other agencies and lawyers that look at it and we prepare the documentation. It’s a lengthy process. We are working through that with the Lashkar and we have not made a determination as to whether they will be designated a terrorist organisation, yet. Nor do I know at this time exactly when we would make the final decision but certainly there is enough evidence for us to review whether they should be designated as such.

What kind of influence does the Pakistani government have over these organisations?
In the past we’ve made clear our concerns to the Pakistani government about their links to Kashmiri organisations, particularly those (that are) designated terrorist organisations like the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM).... For the HuM, we’ve asked for the government of Pakistan to make sure they have no links to that organisation. They have assured us that they do not. We have expressed concerns about terrorists passing through Pakistan. And Pakistan, in the past, has cooperated with us on seizing terrorists and sending them back to justice to the US and other places. Their cooperation has been good and has been well-documented. On the other hand, we are concerned about those people that pass through there. We are working with them to make sure they can tighten down on that.

How is the US-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism working? Have there been any tangible results since it was set up in February?
It’s going well. But it is important to set up our legal offices there and that we start to expand on exchanging information and cooperation, law enforcement and other information issues. I am hoping to go out there later this year to continue that working group, bringing people of all aspects of the US government to meet our counterparts there. We are looking forward to that visit and we are working on dates with the ministry of foreign affairs and the Indian government. That will be another opportunity to enhance our cooperative efforts.

Is the policy of engaging both India and Pakistan on terrorism a tightrope act?
It’s sensitive. We are friends with and want a strong, productive relationship with both countries. Obviously, when both countries have difficulties between them, as they do, we have to be careful when we are in both capitals, when we talk to either about how we discuss this issue. We have a policy about being fairly transparent about this. We do not have a policy of criticising the Indians when we are in Pakistan or criticising the Pakistanis when in India - that’s not our style. And they know that is the sort of arrangement we’ve had over many years over a range of issues. It’s not that hard when everyone understands the ground rules.

While admitting that terrorists do operate out of Pakistan, the US always stops short of declaring Pakistan a terrorist state. Why?
Pakistan is not a terrorist state. We have some issues with them. They have a record that needs improving but they are not hostile to the US. And they cooperate with us on a lot of issues and it’s not appropriate that it be put in a category like that.

How effective is Gen Pervez Musharraf in his negotiations with the Taliban leadership on terrorism?
I think Gen Musharraf understands that the Taliban’s policies need to change as they directly threaten Pakistan’s stability. In my view, he understands that and has communicated that to the Taliban.