Pakistan not holding talks with al-Qaeda: Solana

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi (R) shakes hands with European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana upon his arrival at The Foreign Ministry in Islamabad yesterday. Solana arrived in Pakistan on Monday to hold talks with new government leaders following February elections.Photo: AFP

European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said yesterday he backed the new Pakistani government's moves to hold talks with Taliban militants, but ruled out any negotiations with al-Qaeda.
Solana arrived in Pakistan late Monday for talks on boosting cooperation between the EU and Pakistan, which is emerging from eight years of military rule but still facing the threat of Islamist violence.
He supported the recent moves by Pakistan to open dialogue with Taliban militants in a bid to restore peace and order in Pakistan and its tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.
"It is up to the country to give benefit to those who want to contribute to the well-being of the country by participating in a dialogue which is under the umbrella of the constitution of the country," Solana told reporters.