News
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Pakistan, Afghanistan, US agree to cooperate for Afghan reconciliation
* US special envoy Grossman stresses need for early implementation on Afghan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, United States and Afghanistan agreed to cooperate and coordinate for the Afghan-led reconciliation process on Tuesday to ensure peace, security and development in the region.
This was stated by Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister, Jaweed Ludin, and US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Marc Grossman, while addressing a joint press conference here at Foreign Office following trilateral talks this afternoon.
The foreign secretary, while giving details of the meeting, said, “Pakistan is looking forward to engaging deeply with the United States and Afghanistan with a view to promoting and achieving a shared objective of stability and peace within our respective countries and region as a whole.”
US Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Marc Grossman, said the end of Osama Bin Ladin was a big achievement for three countries.
He said, “It is a long term commitment of the United States to end extremism and we fully support progress and prosperity in Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
He said today’s talks were mainly focused on trade and economic integration and how to create more jobs. He said there was a need for early implementation on Afghan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement.
Replying to a question to end drone attacks in Pakistan, the US special representative said, “We should consider the purpose of Pakistan-US counter terrorism cooperation.”
He said thousands of Pakistani civilians and soldiers had fallen prey to terrorism and the coordination with Pakistan was designed to help bring safety and security to Pakistanis and Americans around the world. This is a noble goal,” he claimed.
Foreign Secretary, Salman Bashir, while replying to a question, said Pakistan had been taking up the issue of drone attacks with the United States on different forums.
Regarding the US operation in Abbottabad, he said, there was no point of getting into forensic of the operation and who did what. “Osama is now a history and we should look forward.” he insisted.
Bashir said, “It is our determination not to allow our soil to be used by anyone for terrorism. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk