Washington backs early Kabul-Taliban talks

Pakistan has ‘zero tolerance’ for Da’ish, which is a non-entity in the country

ISLAMABAD:

Army chief General Raheel Sharif and US Vice President Joe Biden on Friday called for the early resumption of the stalled peace talks between the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban to bring lasting peace to the war-torn country.

The two met at the White House and discussed wide-ranging issues including the current regional security situation. Gen Raheel’s meeting with Biden was the high point of his five-day visit to the US during which he also interacted with US secretary of state, secretary of defence, CIA chief and top military commanders.



According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt-Gen Asim Salim Bajwa, Biden and Gen Raheel exchanged views for nearly two hours on issues of mutual interests, regional security and stability in a candid and cordial atmosphere.

“They stressed the early resumption of the reconciliation process to achieve lasting peace in Afghanistan, which is critical to peace and stability in region,” said the chief military spokesperson, who also attended the meeting.

Acknowledging Pakistan’s crucial role for peace, Bajwa said Biden had recognised Pakistan’s immense sacrifices both in terms of human lives and economic losses.

“The US vice president appreciated Pakistan’s contributions in the war on terror. The US wants to further the growing relationship,” he added.



Biden reiterated firm US commitment to work closely with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest, deepening and expanding cooperation to counter new and emerging threats.

The army chief gave Pakistan’s perspective of security and stability in region, which he emphasised, needed to be understood.

Later, Gen Raheel told the Pakistani community in Washington that the armed forces were committed to the restoration of peace in Pakistan and will take Operation Zarb-e-Azb to its logical conclusion. He added that Pakistan wants cordial relations with all neighbouring countries.

No tolerance for Da’ish

Lt Gen Bajwa said Pakistan has zero tolerance for the militant group Da’ish (also known as Islamic State) but a global response was needed to counter this global threat.



“There is a zero tolerance for Da’ish in Pakistan. Not even a shadow of Da’ish will be allowed in Pakistan,” he told reporters at a briefing in Washington on Thursday.

Vowing to take action against any visible signs of the militant group in Pakistan, he said the Pakistani society had rejected the group which has claimed responsibility for attacks such as the bombing of the Metrojet flight and last week’s Paris massacre.

“People were already fed up with terrorism and there was no acceptance for it [Da’ish] in the society and they will be defeated in coming days.”

While the group had some elements in neighbouring Afghanistan, Lt Gen Bajwa said space for militant organisations was being squeezed in Pakistan.



Detailing salient points of Gen Raheel’s visit, Bajwa said Pakistan’s perspective was presented to the US civilian and military leadership.

“The acceptance and understanding of Pakistan’s perspective was visible more than ever,” DG ISPR said, adding “The biggest thing is that your perspective is being recognized and there is also an understanding; discussions were held based on that understanding.”

Discussions were also held with regard to India and the situation on the eastern border and Line of Control and the long-running Kashmir dispute. Bajwa said that the US leadership has been told that long-term security and stability in the region required resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

On Afghanistan, he said there was a clear realisation that the Afghan reconciliation process could not be delayed further and there was a seriousness and urgency in moving forward this process. All stakeholders need to support this reconciliation process, he added.

The army chief will now travel to Brazil for a three day tour before stopping over in Ivory Coast where troops serving with the UN Peacekeeping contingent had received an award on Friday.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2015.