Clinton continues Asian travels

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's travels in Asia include visits to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the State Department said Friday.

Clinton will go to the two countries Saturday and Sunday, following her unannounced visits to Libya, Afghanistan and Pakistan, the department said in a release.

In Tajikistan, Clinton will meet with President Emomali Rahmon and Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi to discuss bilateral and regional issues. She also will conduct a town hall-type meeting in Dushanbe.

In Uzbekistan, Clinton will have a meeting with President Islam Karimov and Foreign Minister Elyor Ganiev, the department said. She also will go to Tashkent and tour a new General Motors Co. powertrain plant where she will announce the Central Asia Technology Entrepreneurship Program and Techno-Prize Competition.

During her stop in Pakistan Thursday, Clinton urged the country's leaders to go after Taliban militants in the mountainous region along the Afghanistan border, The Wall Street Journal said. She urged Pakistan to attack the Haqqani network, a group with ties to the Taliban that U.S. officials blame for a number of deadly attacks against American forces in Afghanistan.

In Kabul, Clinton assured Afghanistan that the United States wouldn't stop its efforts to create a "strong foundation for an Afghanistan free from interference, violent conflict and one that has a chance to chart its own future."