US wants Pak military operation in N Waziristan soon: Envoy

This was stated today by US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter who, however, also said that Washington will leave it to the Pakistani army to decide when such an operation should be launched.

The Pakistan army has assured the US that it will take action in North Waziristan at the "right time," he said during an interaction with the media.

The US has described North Waziristan as a "safe haven" for Taliban and Al Qaeda elements.

Over the past year, Pakistan has resisted pressure from the US to launch a military offensive against militants in the region bordering Afghanistan.

Observers have said the Pakistan Army is reluctant to act as the security establishment has close links to groups like the Haqqani network based in North Waziristan.

Responding to a question on civil nuclear cooperation between China and Pakistan, Munter said the US will not object to any civil nuclear deal between the two countries if it abides by international rules and meets the requirements of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Pakistan has demanded a civil nuclear deal on the lines of the one concluded by the US with India, saying it will not accept any "discrimination" in nuclear export control regimes.

Pakistan has also contended that civil nuclear agreements signed by India with Western powers will affect the strategic balance in South Asia.

The US has said it is willing to hold negotiations with Pakistan on a civil nuclear deal but made it clear that it cannot be concluded any time in the near future.

In response to another question, Munter said the Pakistan army has performed well in curbing militancy.