Drone attacks to spoil govt efforts, Gilani tells Mullen
PakistanPal
US general discusses new war strategy with military leaders
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Gilani on Wednesday made it clear to the
United States that drone attacks in Balochistan would be highly
counterproductive and would spoil Pakistan's efforts to confront the
challenge of terrorism.
The prime minister was talking to US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral
Michael Mullen, who called on him at the PM House here. During the
meeting, Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani assisted
the prime minister. American Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W Paterson
was also present on the occasion.
About the ongoing military operation against the militants, the prime
minister said: "This is our own war" and every effort would be made to
eliminate the menace of terrorism. He said pledges made during the
FoDP meeting should be fulfilled without any delay to enable Pakistan
fight militancy effectively.
He also said Pakistan expects the US to timely reimburse its claims on
account of the Coalition Support Fund. Meanwhile, Chief of the Army
Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and US Chairman Joint Chiefs
of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen visited Swat and other areas in Malakand
Division on Wednesday. Extraordinary security arrangements were in
place and the entire Swat Valley was literally under an unannounced
curfew. Residents had no choice but to remain confined to their
homes.
Upon their arrival at the Malakand Fort, sited on top of the Malakand
Pass, the in charge of the Malakand operation, Major General Ashfaq
Nadeem, briefed General Kayani and Admiral Mullen on the recently-
concluded operation of security forces and the post-operation scenario
in Swat and other districts.
Later, Kayani and Mullen visited the scenic Kalam Valley in Swat,
where they met Army officers. Admiral Mullen appreciated the role of
the Pakistan Army in eliminating militancy and terrorism from the area
and assured continuous US support for Pakistan in the ongoing war
against terror.
According to an ISPR press release, the US Chairman Joint Chiefs of
Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, earlier called on COAS General Ashfaq
Parvez Kayani in Rawalpindi before the two travelled to the Swat
Valley to meet the local military commanders. AFP adds: The top US
military officer held talks in Pakistan on Wednesday on the new war
strategy for Afghanistan.
Article Source : http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=26138