News
Friday, April 22, 2011
Kayani rejects US ‘negative propaganda’ on terrorist ties
ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s army on Thursday rejected as ‘negative propaganda’ suggestions that it was not doing enough to combat al Qaeda and Taliban, a day after the top US military officer accused its main intelligence agency of maintaining ties with terrorists. “The Pakistan army’s ongoing operations are a testimony of our national resolve to defeat terrorism,” a military statement quoted army chief General Ashfaq Kayani as telling Admiral Mike Mullen during his visit to Pakistan on Wednesday. “He (Kayani) strongly rejected negative propaganda of Pakistan not doing enough and Pakistan army’s lack of clarity on the way forward.” “(Kayani) reinforced the government’s stance on drone strikes and emphasised that these not only undermine our national effort against terrorism but turn public support against our efforts, which remains the key to success.” Reaffirmation of the relationship between US and Pakistani militaries was the most important aspect of meeting between Mullen and Kayani, according to a Pentagon statement issued on Thursday. “Certainly, we understand we’ve been through a pretty rough period,” Mullen told reporters traveling with him, according to the Pentagon statement.“I feel that the relationship that we had had a lot to do with our ability to get through this rough period.” Significant challenges remain in the relationship, and he and Kayani brought those up in their meeting, Mullen said. agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk