Interior Minister Rehman Malik today refuted reports of differences between President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, saying rumours in this regard were being floated by certain elements.

There are "no differences whatsoever" between the President and the army chief and "some elements with ulterior political motives" were floating rumours, Malik told a news conference at the parliament house.

Media reports over the past few weeks have said that differences had emerged between the army and the presidency over conditions attached to US aid to be provided under the Kerry-Lugar law.

The army has publicly expressed its concerns on this issue, saying the strings attached to the aid could affect national security.

Replying to a question, Malik said there were no US Marines or personnel of the Blackwater private security firm in Pakistan. "I reassure people that not a single American is allowed into Pakistan without the stamping of visa. There are only 411 American nationals in Pakistan, out of whom 286 are diplomats while others work with NGOs," he said.

Asked to comment on reports about the UN commission probing former premier Benazir Bhutto's assassination had delayed its visit to Pakistan, Malik said the panel had certain concerns due to the recent wave of terrorist