NATO: Attacks Up Sharply In Afghanistan

By PAUL AMES, Associated Press
May 15, 2008

BRUSSELS, Belgium — Attacks by insurgents in eastern Afghanistan have risen sharply, NATO said yesterday, expressing concerns that Pakistani agreements with the Taliban may be creating safe havens for militants.

A NATO spokesman, James Appathurai, said attacks were up 50% in April compared to the same period last year — a significant jump that could indicate the militants are getting help on the Pakistani side of the border.

"The principle concern is ... the deals being struck between the Pakistani government and extremist groups in the tribal areas maybe allowing them — the extremists — to have safe havens, rest, reconstitute, and then move across the border," he said.

Mr. Appathurai said the alliance would take up the issue of militant safe havens with Pakistani authorities. He said NATO's secretary general, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, plans to travel to Islamabad soon for talks with the Pakistani government.

"Have no doubt that the concerns that NATO/ISAF has over this increase in activity levels has been communicated to the Pakistanis, will be continue to be communicated to the Pakistanis," Mr. Appathurai said.