ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday emphasized to the United States of America to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity and said the recurring drone attacks could lead to anti-America sentiments and outrage and uproar among the people.
This was conveyed to the visiting US Defence delegation led by US Central Command Chief (CENTCOM) General David Howell Petraeus during a meeting with Minister of Defence Chaudhary Ahmad Mukhtar at the Ministry of Defence in Rawalpindi, said a Ministry media statement.
The delegation included US Assistant Secretary of State South Asia Richard Boucher and US Ambassador to Pakistan Mrs. Anne Paterson.
The two sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and stressed the need for enhanced cooperation to eliminate the scourge of terrorism.
The meeting discussed the security situation of the region with special focus on the war on terror and Pak-Afghan border situation.
The Minister informed the delegation that Pakistan was keen to promote peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan because politically and economically stable and prosperous Afghanistan was not only in the interest of Pakistan but of the whole region.
The Minister apprised General David Petraeus about the anti-terror efforts and the ongoing military operation against the terrorist and violent extremist elements in the Tribal Areas.
The Minister told the visiting delegation that the international community needed to assist Pakistan in creating employment opportunities in the tribal areas so as to mitigate the financial sufferings of the people of the area.
The Minister also sought the assistance of international community and donor agencies to help the displaced persons of Bajaur Agency.
The American delegation was also informed about the security needs of Pakistan in order to enhance its operational capabilities to curb the terrorist activities.
General David Patraeus said that they would consider the request of Pakistan in this regard. -APP