Clinton Regrets Pakistan Boycott Decision

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the United States regrets Pakistan's decision to boycott next week's international conference on the future of Afghanistan in the German city of Bonn.

Pakistan has pulled out of the conference in reaction to a cross-border air strike by NATO forces based in Afghanistan that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.

Pakistan has accused NATO of aggression in the incident, while the U.S. has called the deaths "tragic" and pledged an investigation.

Clinton, speaking on a visit to South Korea on November 30, said she hoped a way could still be found for Pakistan to participate in international efforts to develop Afghanistan into a stable and secure country.

Clinton said both the United States and Pakistan have a "profound interest" in an Afghanistan that is secure, stable, and democratic.

The Bonn meeting will mark 10 years since an international conference in the city was held to create a temporary Afghan government following the U.S.-led invasion of the country after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States.

compiled from agency reports