Oct 23 , 2015
News
Pakistan, US want Afghan Taliban come to the table
* Nawaz, Obama express commitment to advance an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process for sustainable peace in region
WASHINGTON: US and Paksitan on Thursday called upon the Afghan Taliban leaders to enter direct talks with Kabul and work towards a sustainable peace settlement.Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Barack Obama discussed the importance of continued cooperation against terrorists and violent extremist groups. President Obama affirmed Pakistan’s role as a key counter-terrorism partner and recognized the sacrifices that Pakistani civilians, military, and law enforcement personnel have made over the years as they confront terrorism and militant groups. He expressed particular appreciation for Pakistan’s ongoing support to degrade and ultimately defeat al Qaeda and its affiliates, noting that this partnership has helped to decimate the group’s leadership and operational capacity and has disrupted plots against the US homeland.
Obama also honoured the sacrifices of the Pakistani security forces in Operation Zarb-e-Azb and other operations, which have degraded the ability of militants to plan and execute terrorist attacks and noted further steps being taken in this regard in line with the National Action Plan. In turn, the prime minister thanked the United States for its support in bolstering Pakistan’s counter-terrorism capacity. President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif renewed their common resolve to promote peace and stability throughout the region and to counter all forms of extremism and terrorism.
Both leaders expressed their commitment to advance an Afghan-owned and -led peace and reconciliation process between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban. The two leaders expressed concern over violence along the Line of Control, and noted their support for confidence-building measures and effective mechanisms that are acceptable to both parties. The leaders emphasized the importance of a sustained and resilient dialogue process between and India and Paksitan aimed at resolving all outstanding territorial and other disputes, including Kashmir, through peaceful means and working together to address mutual concerns of India and Pakistan regarding terrorism.
In this context, the prime minister apprised the US president about Pakistan’s resolve to take effective action against United Nations-designated terrorist individuals and entities, including Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and its affiliates, as per its international commitments and obligations under UN Security Council resolutions and the Financial Action Task Force. President Obama and PM Nawaz affirmed that the security relationship has been and will continue to be integral to regional stability.
Both leaders noted that the stability of South Asia depended on cooperation among all neighbors to suppress all extremist and militant groups operating in the region. Highlighting the quickly evolving extremist landscape from the Sahel to South Asia, the president and prime minister noted with satisfaction that the United States and Pakistan are working closely to counter emerging terrorist groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)/Daesh in South Asia. The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s firm resolve not to allow any ISIL/Da’esh footprint in Pakistan. The leaders also reiterated their commitment to combat the extremist ideology that propels such groups.
President Obama raised his concern regarding the US nationals being held hostage by terrorist groups in the region. The Prime Minister indicated that Pakistan would assist in every way possible with the safe return of American and other hostages.
Defence cooperation: Taking note of the robust bilateral defence cooperation between their two countries, including recent military engagements, exercises, and consultations on regional security, President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif expressed satisfaction with the cooperation achieved in Defence relations and reaffirmed that this partnership should endure. Prime Minister Sharif conveyed appreciation for US security assistance in support of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, counter-narcotics, and maritime security operations and expressed hope of broadening bilateral Defence cooperation in areas that serve the two countries’ mutual interest.
President Obama noted Pakistan’s positive efforts to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and both leaders resolved to continue working together to disrupt the threat posed by these devices. They recognized that a stable and peaceful Pakistan-Afghanistan border was important for the success of counter-terrorism, counterinsurgency, and counter-IED efforts. They also underscored the critical significance of effective border coordination mechanisms between Pakistan and Afghanistan in achieving these objectives. The two leaders reaffirmed that the Defence consultative group mechanism has been critical in stimulating Defence partnership and resolved to explore new avenues of enhancing Defence collaboration.
Cyber security: Recognizing the opportunities and challenges presented by information and communications technologies, President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif affirmed that international cooperation is essential to make cyberspace secure and stable. Both leaders endorsed the consensus report of the 2015 UN Group of Governmental Experts in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security. The leaders looked forward to further multilateral engagement, and discussion of cyber issues as part of the US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue.
Strategic stability: President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif recognized the shared interest in strategic stability in South Asia. The two leaders underscored that all sides should continuously act with maximum restraint and work jointly toward strengthening strategic stability in South Asia. They acknowledged the importance of regional balance and stability in South Asia and pursuing increased transparency and uninterrupted dialogue in support of peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes. President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif discussed the continuing threat of nuclear terrorism. The United States and Pakistan committed to work together to make the Nuclear Security Summit hosted by President Obama next year a success. President Obama welcomed Pakistan’s constructive engagement with the Nuclear Security Summit process and its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international forums.
The leaders noted Pakistan’s efforts to improve its strategic trade controls and enhance its engagement with multilateral export control regimes. Recognizing the importance of bilateral engagement in the Security, Strategic Stability and Non-Proliferation Working Group, the two leaders noted that both sides will continue to stay engaged to further build on the ongoing discussions in the working group.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk