Jan 12 , 2016
News
Olson discusses Afghan security with Gen Sharif
US special envoy lauds efforts of Pakistan in fight against terrorism
INP
RAWALPINDI – United States Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Ambassador Richard G Olson on Tuesday called on Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif at General Headquarters.
Overall regional security situation with particular reference to situation in Afghanistan came under discussion during the meeting. Olson appreciated the efforts of Pakistan in fight against terrorism. The meeting comes a day after Pakistan hosted four-country talks aimed at luring the Afghan Taliban back to the negotiating table with the Kabul government.
The talks in Islamabad – announced in December – came as the Taliban’s insurgency intensifies, particularly in the country’s south, testing the capacity of Afghanistan’s overstretched military.
The delegations were led by Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Ambassador Richard Olson and China’s special envoy for Afghanistan ambassador Deng Xijun.
“The participants emphasised the immediate need for direct talks between representatives of the government of Afghanistan and representatives from Taliban groups in a peace process that aims to preserve Afghanistan’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” a joint statement said after the meeting.
“The group would hold discussions on a roadmap at its next meeting to be held on 18th January 2016 in Kabul,” it said.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk