US still worried about ISI links with Taliban

" ... there are limits on what we know in terms of a lot of the specifics, but I'm comfortable that from what I know of what we actually know and also what they told us, right now they're secure."

"US still worried about ISI links with Taliban," from the Times of India, May 14:

WASHINGTON: A top US military leader on Thursday acknowledged that Washington is still worried about the "links" of ISI with Taliban, but said as of now he is "comfortable" about safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons.

"Yes, sir," Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said when Senator John McCain specifically asked him 'Do you still worry about the ISI cooperating with Taliban?'

Mullen was testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

"I've believed over the last year, since I've been involved and visited Pakistan, that the ISI, in the long run, has to change its strategic thrust and get away fromworking both sides," Mullen asserted.

"That's how they have been raised, certainly over the last couple of decades, andthat's what they believe," he said.

When asked about safety and security of nuclear weapons, Mullen said he is comfortable that it is secure.

"They have actually put in an increased level of security measures in the last three or four years. But there are limits on what we know in terms of a lot of the specifics, but I'm comfortable that from what I know of what we actually know and also what they told us, right now they're secure."