Jan 12 , 2016
News
Pakistan serious about Pathankot probe: US
Kerry spoke to Nawaz last week about need for continuing dialogue in general terms
INP
WASHINGTON – The United States has said that Pakistan is taking serious steps to apprehend the conspirators behind the terrorist strike at the Pathankot Air Force base.
As uncertainty looms over the foreign secretary-level talks between Pakistan and India scheduled for January 15, the US efforts are in a direction to ensure that they remain on track. US State Secretary John Kerry spoke to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif last week about the need for continuing dialogue in general terms, State Department spokesperson John Kirby said on Monday.
“We do not talk much in detail about the diplomatic conversations. He came away believing that the Pakistani government is serious about this particular incident, serious about investigating it, serious about trying to work with partners in the region, Afghanistan specifically,” a senior State Department official said, referring to the conversation between Kerry and Nawaz Sharif.
Asked whether Kerry noticed any change in Pakistan’s tone, since it had made similar promises in the context of Mumbai also, the official said: “I am not going to define it as change in tone. I think, we all recognize that more can be done, including by Pakistan. But that does not mean that we would not keep working at it.”
John Kirby refused to comment whether the US received any feedback on investigations into the attack. “I don’t have any additional detail – we note and we’re encouraged by the fact that the Pakistani government condemned the attack and said that they would investigate.
Our expectation is that investigation will be thorough and complete and as transparent as possible. But in terms of its progress and where they are, you’d have to talk to Pakistani authorities on it,” Kirby said.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk