WASHINGTON: Pentagon press secretary George Little said on Wednesday that Pakistan and the United States (US) were continuing dialogue at all levels. Pak-US relations had plunged to their lowest level after the November 26 helicopter strikes on a border check post which killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.
Addressing a press briefing at the Pentagon, Little said that the US had an important military relationship with Pakistan and that the relationship had “hit bumps”, but the the US hoped and looked forward to improving relations with Pakistan.
In response to a question, the Pentagon spokesperson added that Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey had been in contact with Chief Of Army Staff General Kayani in recent days.
“It was a productive and professional conversation.”
Little refused to comment on the sacking of the Pakistani Defence Secretary, saying it was Pakistan’s internal matter.
Answering a question about rumours of a coup in Pakistan and whether the US had sought assurances that the army would not do a coup, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Media Operations Captain John Kirby said that he was not aware if the US had sought any such assurances from the Pakistani Army, nor was he aware if they had been given them.
“This is a matter for Pakistan's civilian and military leaders to work out.”
Replying to a question on the recent drone strike in Pakistan and its effect on Pak-US ties, Little refused to comment directly on the counterterrorism operations in the Pak-Afghan region, however he said that the US remained committed in its efforts to damage al Qaeda,
“That remains a top national security priority for us,” adding that extremists in the region were a threat for US allies and for Pakistan as well.
Earlier on Tuesday after a lull of about 55 days, the valleys of Pakistan’s tribal region reverberated once more with missile fire from stealthy US air borne drones. Two missiles destroyed a militant compound in Pakistan’s tribal area near the Afghan border.
(Read: US drone attack kills four militants in Pakistan: Officials)
COMMENTS (13)
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Choudhery Shujayat Hussain , conciliation efforts, sincere efforts does not go wast.
Majority of the people of Pakistan have some considerable questions in their minds, putting aside the procedure for seconds in re legal change or constitutional change we should think whose is a party or person settle all the issues within minutes or day resolve all issues relating our falling economy.
No one come having a magic lump in hand.
This time,all the leaders are fighting for power not for problems being faced by poor people.
There is injustice, unemployment, prices,beyond the approach of poor people, crime rate is sky high, no gas no electricity, all industries are going to close, people are dying unnatural death, large number of people are compelled to commit suicide.
Who would come and overcome the existing situation.
the fact, which is acceptable and doubtless,all leaders are power hungry not interested in the welfare of common man living in the country.
they can resolve all issue,but they are all lusty and corrupt.
Chess game is going on, players has been assembled around, efforts are being made to surrender the king,
but the king is not ready to open the way for provision oil and ration to those came across the ocean,they are fasting. change the leadership in Pakistan is the only solution has been adopted after thought.
In the existing circumstances,way out from the crisis looks impossible but efforts are being made by some relevant quarters.
as exposing by some expectations,military is ready to come in. Apex court put hurdles in the way of the government which can not be cross to the great extent. Opposition want democracy but not leadership of PPP.,it is also busy in searching the ways safely leading to their destination.
boat of democracy has trapped in the widening political whirlpool .
On the other hand,experienced dictator is coming,expected in the next month,some expects attributed to the crisis indicating that some relevant powerful quarters want to complete its mission before his entering into the country.
That is the solution of restoration of supply,band by the present government after killing of 24 Pakistani soldiers and not cooperative behave of Pakistani government in this regard.to Afghan Talban resolve.
Dunno about the USG but what I want to see is a Pakistan whose civilian leadership is more concerned with accountable good governance than self-enrichment. It seems successful Pakistani politicians with the appropriate values are few and far between. Is that because Pakistanis are inherently venal or because the Army intervenes or is there some other explanation?
US will not make any open statement about the internal feud in Pakistan. However, the backdoor diplomatic efforts for reconsilement must be on keeping in view of its own interest of supplies and cooperation from Pakistan which is of paramount importance to US.
@Ch Allah Daad: No sir! Look where we are after sixty-four years. WE have to move on ahead in life and STOP corruption, if not in toto, then at least 95 percent. Salams
It's something to be concerned about enough to keep track of because of the side effects. But, it's just something you don't go anywhere near or think of touching politically unless you're somehow forced into it and as I say that I can't really even think of a situation where involvement could be actually "forced." Well, unless I use my imagination to really blow the possibilities out of proportion, that is. The realistic max couldn't get it close to there unless I'm forgetting something.
I think US of A should concentrate and worry more on Obama's loosing in next term elections than poking nose in affairs of country half a world away
why should US bother when pakis are on a freefall.....US just waits on sidelines and then declare pak as US colony...after all it survives on US taxmoney....
Only an enemy of Pakistan can plan or support a coup.
Pyar Tu Hona Hi Tha
Unfortunately your neighbors and the USA would probably prefer the military to run Pakistan -- eliminates wasting time talking to the civilian authority who they know don't have the final say on important issues.