KARACHI (Agencies) - President Asif Zardari promised to work with the United States to 'eradicate the Haqqani network, a pledge made during a meeting with visiting American congressmen, according to one of the lawmakers. But the head of the Homeland Security delegation, Michael McCaul, downplayed the significance of the remarks, saying it was unclear whether President Zardari had the power to make good on his pledge. According to McCaul, Zardari also appeared to brush off threats that US aid spending to Pakistan could be significantly cut if Islamabad did not do more to squeeze insurgents like the Haqqanis. I think he thinks that we are going to continue the aid, but I tried to tell him that its in jeopardy, McCaul, a Republican congressman from Texas, said of Zardari. He said, 'I appreciate your assistance, but its trade more than aid that I need. McCaul and the visiting lawmakers met with Zardari in the Pakistani port city of Karachi on Tuesday, and revealed details of his conversation later the same day to an American news agency. The president, on the record, said 'I am going to work with you to eradicate Haqqanis, McCaul said. He further quoted Zardari as saying: I know these people very well, they are snakes and Im going to go after all of them. McCaul said he welcomed the presidents statement, but the real question is how much does this president control the military and the countrys spy service. The US delegation called on President Zardari at Bilawal House and discussed Pak-US bilateral relations, strategic dialogue, Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs), war against terror, situation in Afghanistan and overall regional situation. Other members of the delegation included Jeffrey Duncan, Henry Cuellar, Gene Green, Michael Fitzpatrick and Nick Palarino, Charles Snyder and Anne Bennet. Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Secretary to President Malik Asif and Additional Secretary Foreign Affairs Dr Asad M Khan assisted the President. Discussing Pak-US bilateral relations and recent developments, the President called for mutual understanding of each others point of view and need for greater interaction at all levels to avoid any misunderstanding and negative impressions that would potentially endanger close working relationship at this critical hour. President Zardari emphasised upon the need for both sides to exercise restraint and avoid uncalled for public criticism as it undermines efforts to stabilise the equation and working closely for shared goals. He said the democratic dispensation of Pakistan believed in trade rather than aid as a solution to the weak and stressed economy. The President also called for expediting ROZs legislation, terming it crucial for creating economic opportunities particularly for the people of militancy-hit areas. About the war against militancy and its impact on Pakistan economy, the President said that combined effects of the war and the recent natural calamities have adversely impacted Pakistans economy, thus restricting the governments efforts to provide economic relief to the people. He said under the prevailing situation, international assistance in various projects was critical. Discussing regional situation, the President reiterated Pakistans principled stance of its abiding interest in the stability of Afghanistan. He said Pakistan has always called for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned solution. He vowed Pakistan would continue to support all efforts, directed towards permanent peace, stability and development of Afghanistan. He also mentioned recently-held 6th Trilateral Summit and Pakistans role to assist in efforts for restoration of stability and peace in Afghanistan. The US Congressmen appreciated Pakistans efforts to normalise relations with its neighbours and its decision to extend MFN status to India.