|
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
|