"There is nothing in this agreement that precludes the right of self-defence for either party and if there are attacks from the territory of any state aimed at us we have the inherent right of self defence and will employ it," he said.
Crocker was responding to a question about controversial drone strikes on Taliban and Al-Qaeda targets in Pakistan at a briefing on the deal signed in Kabul overnight by US President Barack Obama and Afghan leader Hamid Karzai.
The Strategic Partnership Agreement states that the United States will not use its presence in Afghanistan to launch offensive actions against other states from Afghan soil.
However, it does say that in the event of threats to Afghanistan the two countries would consult on an appropriate response.
"This is defensive in nature, not offensive, doesn`t threaten any one, but I hope the region takes notice," Crocker said.
US officials are loath to discuss the secretive CIA program, the source of sharp tensions between Washington and Islamabad. Drones have killed scores of what the US government says are Al-Qaeda suspects in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen.
This week, Obama aide John Brennan insisted that the missile strikes were legal, ethical, proportional and saved US lives.
On Tuesday, the Pentagon warned that insurgent sanctuaries in Pakistan and corruption posed "long-term and acute challenges" to security in Afghanistan.
Crocker urged Pakistan to take action against safe havens and prevent cross-border attacks by the Taliban. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
