NATO says it is concerned about a
peace deal between officials in northwestern Pakistan and Taliban sympathizers.
A NATO spokesman (James Appathurai) said Tuesday he does not doubt the good
faith of the Pakistani government, but said he is concerned by a situation in
which extremists would have a safe haven.
Pakistani officials in North West Frontier Province signed an agreement Monday
with Sufi Muhammad, a militant leader who pledged to lay down arms in exchange
for having Islamic law (Sharia) in Swat valley.
Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has praised the deal, saying it is
in line with his government's policy of "dialogue, development and
deterrence."
The U.S. government says it is awaiting further details from the Pakistani
government on the situation.