The United States has refused to confirm or deny reports claiming Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has rebuffed top intelligence officials of the Bush administration, on proposed American operations inside Pakistan, including joint operations.
Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morell stated that he can only repeat what Defence Secretary Robert Gates said last week -- that Washington is willing to assist Islamabad in tracking down the terrorists.
"The Secretary had really expressed well where we are on this at this point. He said that we are ready, willing and able to assist the Pakistani military in their efforts to go after terrorists, particularly in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. But they have not asked at this point. And so we stand at the ready should they ask," Morrell said.
He said the communications between the Pentagon and Pakistani military officials are private.
"The communications that have or have not been had between Pentagon officials and the Pakistani military are private communications at this point, and I think the fact that the Secretary shared with you last week that they (Pakistan's leadership) have not asked for our assistance, should give you a pretty good indication of where we are on this," he said.
"To my knowledge, the situation has not changed," the top Pentagon official added.
