White House reiterates US concerns about FATA accord

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino has reiterated Washingtons concerns about an agreement signed by Islamabad with militants in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), pointing out that a similar agreement signed in September last had failed.

Washington, May 2 : White House Press Secretary Dana Perino has reiterated Washington's concerns about an agreement signed by Islamabad with militants in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), pointing out that a similar agreement signed in September last had failed.

The State Department, in contrast, has been more supportive of the deal.

"It's important that any agreement be effectively enforced and that it not interrupt any operations where we are going after terrorists in that area," Perino said.

"We are continuing to work with the new government of Pakistan. We think that we can work effectively with them and we have very clear and frank discussions to make sure they understand where we're coming from," the Daily Times quoted Perino as further saying.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Islamabad is trying to peel away those who want to integrate themselves into the current fabric of Pakistan political life and actually want to have FATA become a fully functioning part of Afghanistan (sic)."

ANI