Obama telephones Nawaz, express grief over Peshawar deaths
Pentagon offers to assist in any way US can to deal with terrorism

INP

ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama on Wednesday phoned Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and expressed his condolences over the death of 141 people including 132 children killed in the attack on Peshawar's Army Public School.

Obama called Nawaz and conveyed his deepest condolences and sympathies from the people of United States on the brutal massacre. “We stand by the people of Pakistan in this hour of grief,” Obama said, adding that the US would do anything to support Pakistan in its war against terrorists. During the telephonic conversation, the prime minister was assured provision of maximum support by the US government in war against terrorism.

According to US State Department’s deputy spokesperson Marie Harf expressed the deepest condolences of the United States to the people of Pakistan after the tragic militant attack reaffirming our solidarity with and support for Pakistan in the struggle against extremism particularly at this difficult time of mourning for the Pakistani people. Meanwhile the Pentagon said that the attack on the school in Peshawar was the latest manifestation of the savagery of the Taliban.

Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby said that Pakistan has suffered major casualties in the struggle against the Taliban. “We’re willing to help in the wake of this attack should they want or need any. There’s been no request for US assistance. But we’ve certainly made it obvious that we’re willing to assist in any way we can,” the admiral said. He said that the US remains committed to bringing stability to the Afghanistan-Pakistan region emphasizing that the end of the NATO combat mission does not mean an end to US involvement in the region.

Across the border in Afghanistan, Kirby said that the mission would change but American and partner nations would continue their commitment to Afghan stability. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki during a brief termed the as a cowardly attack against children. “We continue to work closely with the government of Pakistan. Counter-terrorism is an integral part of our relationship, including in the Strategic Dialogue. We understand certainly the threats of – that Pakistan faces, and unfortunately, the people of Pakistan are not new to dealing with some of these horrific acts,” she said. She added that the US and Pakistan were going to keep working together.

Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk

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