The Associated Press

Wed, May 21, 2008 (11:22 a.m.)

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband says promoting democracy in Afghanistan and Pakistan is the best way to eliminate terrorist groups there.

He is also expressing support for talks between Pakistan's new government and leaders in the country's tribal areas.

Miliband was meeting Wednesday in Washington with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. In a speech, he said military operations alone will not eliminate terrorist groups in the two countries.

"Security measures can deal with symptoms, but politics is required to address underlying causes," he said.

Miliband was going to California with Rice on Thursday and Friday to meet with U.S. business leaders. The trip will include a visit to the headquarters of Internet search giant Google.