Swat not a place for Mullah Omar and Osama: US

WASHINGTON: Reflecting its views on the peace agreement by Pakistan government with the Taliban in the Swat valley, the United States said it is not a place where Mullah Omar and Osama bin Laden could be welcomed as stated by the extremist leaders.

The Taliban leaders, following a peace agreement with the Pakistan government, have reported to have said that they would welcome Mullah Omar and Osama bin Laden in the Swat Valley.

"With regard to Mullah Omar and Osama bin Laden, this is not a place where they should be welcome," the State Acting Department spokesman, Robert Wood said, to query on the issue.

Reiterating America's viewpoint on this, Wood said, "violent extremism needs to be confronted not just by Pakistan, but the entire international community." Asserting that the US would continue to work with the Governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to try to help root out these violent extremists, Wood said they're a threat to democracy and stability in the region.

"We call on all those who are interested in bringing about stability to that region to work with us to root out violent extremism," he said.