By Daniel Idonor

ABUJA—THE Federal Government yesterday engaged the United States,US, at high level of diplomatic talks when Vice President Goodluck Jonathan met with visiting US Deputy Secretary for Homeland Security, Ms. Jane Holl Lute.

The Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, at the meeting held behind closed doors urged the United States government to de-list Nigeria as a “country of interest”, in the global war on terror.

Jonathan expressed sadness over the listing, noting that the United States has a long history of relations with Nigeria, and as such knows very well that Nigeria is not a nation that supports terrorism.

The Vice President pointed out that Nigeria’s position on the global war on terror is clear, and that the country stands shoulder to shoulder with the US in the effort to combat the scourge.

He explained that; of the about 16 international anti terrorism legislation, Nigeria has ratified nine, adding that even before the December 25 incident, Nigeria had proposed an anti-terrorism bill, which is awaiting the assent of the National Assembly.

According to the Vice President, in direct reaction to the terror incident, Nigeria has created special anti terrorism squads, and has approved the deployment of special air marshals on US bound flights.