Sept 28 , 2015
News
PM conveys Pakistan’s concerns to US over Indian ceasefire violations
Obama looked forward visit of PM Nawaz to Washington in October
APP
UNITED NATIONS - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday conveyed his concerns to the United States regarding the Indian ceasefire violations on the Line of Control (LoC) and reiterated Pakistan’s stance that it desires peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues through dialogue.
The prime minister raised the issue of the ceasefire violations along the LoC and the Working Boundary during his meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry this evening on the sidelines of the 70th UNGA Session in New York. A statement released from the Pakistan’s Mission to the United Nations said the prime minister shared his views on relations with India and expressed deep concern over the Indian ceasefire violations on the LoC and the Working Boundary.
“The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues through dialogue,” the statement said. Sharing the outcome of the meeting, Acting Representative of United States for Pakistan and Afghanistan Laurell Miller told the press that the “US urges both Pakistan and India to engage in a dialogue and to take steps to de-escalate tension on the borders.” She said PM Nawaz had an “excellent meeting” with US Secretary of State John Kerry where they talked about the whole range of issues on the common agenda. “We look forward to Prime Minister’s visit to Washington in October,” she said and added the two sides talked about areas where they can “further advance and deepen the relationship”.
Laurell said the two sides also discussed the issues that can be taken up during the forthcoming talks in Washington next month. To a question about the warming India-US ties and the heavy cost Pakistan was paying against terrorism, Miller said the US recognises Pakistan’s sacrifices. “Secretary Kerry specifically said that he recognises the significant efforts that Pakistan has made against terrorism.”
She said the US also recognises the sacrifices made by the Pakistani people and its security forces in fighting terrorism. She said the US is cooperating with Pakistan against terrorism and will continue to do so. In response to a question about the ongoing reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan, Miller said her government “absolutely and strongly” supports the peace process in Afghanistan. “We appreciate the efforts Pakistan government has taken to that end. I think there is more that we can all do, obviously to launch a peace process and we are 100 per cent behind all such efforts to launch the peace process.”
The statement by the Pakistan Mission said Secretary Kerry conveyed that US President Obama looked forward to the visit of PM Nawaz to Washington in October. The prime minister and Secretary Kerry discussed bilateral cooperation on a wide range of issues. PM Nawaz highlighted the military achievements against the militants in FATA through Operation Zarb-e-Azb, which was now entering its concluding phase. “These successes have improved the security situation in Pakistan,” he said.
Secretary Kerry appreciated Pakistan’s counter terrorism efforts and the success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb. He also expressed condolences over the terrorist attack on Badaber. Peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan, as well as the security situation, were also discussed, the statement said. The prime minister was assisted by Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs Senator Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemias well as other senior officials.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk