Noting that Pakistan was an 'essential ally' in the war on terror, the White House has denied any kind of talking down or 'slam down' to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on resurgence of the Al Qaeda and the Taliban along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
White House Spokesman Tony Snow hailed the role of Musharraf in the ongoing war against terrorism calling him and Pakistan as an 'essential' ally in the war on terror.
"Our view is that Pakistan is an essential ally. And we are continuing to work with them. And we are working to support them because both parties understand how vital it is not only to fight the Taliban but also Al Qaeda," Snow said in his briefing on Tuesday.
He also described Afghanistan as another committed ally in the fight against terror.
"The important thing is that you have two committed allies in the war on terror. There have been more Al Qaeda killed in Pakistan than anywhere else. President Musharraf understands the problem. He has taken significant action. And obviously, we need to continue improving the ability both of the Pakistanis and the Afghans to go after terrorist elements," he said.
"But it is very important to do this in proper spirit," he said.
When it comes to the war on terror in that particular region, three parties are involved -- the United States, Pakistanis and Afghanistan, Snow said.
"The Pakistanis and Afghans certainly have a shared interest in what happens in those border areas. And the Vice President, quite properly, talked about ways forward with all parties," he added.
The spokesman declined to respond to a purported remark of the Pakistani Ambassador to the United States, Mahmud Ali Durrani, that relations between Washington and Islamabad is 'strained' right now.
"It is a vital relationship. I think we certainly believe that the Pakistanis are fully committed and they have made that point publicly before and after the Vice President's visit there. And the Vice President had a productive set of conversations with Musharraf," he replied.
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