Veteran U.S. diplomat Richard Holbrooke is set to meet with Pakistani
officials in Islamabad Tuesday as the new U.S. special envoy begins to
familiarize himself with South Asia and its leaders.
Speaking after his arrival Monday, Holbrooke said the United States is
looking forward to reviewing its policies and renewing its commitment
to the Pakistani people.
The U.S. envoy is scheduled to meet with senior government and military
leaders, as well as representatives of Pakistan's civil society and
business sectors.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the country hopes to give Holbrooke
its perspectives on issues facing the region. Ministry spokesman Abdul
Basit said peace in South Asia is not possible unless the Kashmir
dispute can be resolved.
Also Monday, Britain said its current ambassador to Kabul, (Afghanistan),Sherard Cowper-Cowles, will work closely with Holbrooke as Britain's new special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Holbrooke is also set to visit India and Afghanistan on this trip.
In Germany on Sunday, Holbrooke told world leaders and security experts
that the situation in Afghanistan presents one of the most daunting
challenges he has ever seen in his long career.
His trip is part of U.S. President Barack Obama's review of U.S.
policy. The administration is considering plans to boost combat troop
numbers in Afghanistan by as much as 14-thousand this year.