US trying to improve Af-Pak border coordination: Panetta

Said Afghan­istan, India and Pakist­an need to work togeth­er agains­t common threat­s.


Huma Imtiaz August 14, 2012

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said that while there was no doubt that militants were crossing the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, they were trying to improve border coordination with Pakistan.

Addressing a joint press conference at the Pentagon with the US Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey, Panetta said that cross border cooperation with Pakistan had been increasing, and that International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) commander General Allen had been meeting with Pakistan Army chief General Parvez Kayani in this regard.

He added that that Dempsey and US Central Command head General Mattis would also be meeting with Kayani.

“Pakistan has taken a positive, visible step in advancing the shared objective of a peaceful Afghanistan. Their decision to open Nato supply lines means a great deal to us,” said the Secretary of Defense.

He added that General Allen hoped Pakistan and the US would work together in identifying militants crossing the border.

India, Pakistan and Afghanistan need to cooperate

"We have always stressed on the importance of India and Pakistan working together to confront issues they face," Panetta said.

He said that he believed there would not be stability in the region unless India, Pakistan and Afghanistan work together against common threats, adding that he has stressed upon Pakistan that terrorism represents a threat to the US and Pakistan, highlighting that many in Pakistan had died as a result of terrorist attacks.

COMMENTS (10)

Sultan Ahmed | 11 years ago | Reply

short time ago, BBC reported that fight has begun between Pakistan and Afghan armed forces near the kunar border area.

the news, has been spread in the local and national media according to which a joint military action is expected within very short span of time,against Taliban in the bordering area from both sides is proved baseless.

j. von hettlingen | 11 years ago | Reply

Pakistan might have to rethink its strategy in Afghanistan. Islamabad may still have a role to play in areas bordering the Durand line. Beyond there are other forces, the Northern Alliance backed by Uzbekistan, Iran and other neighbours, that don't share Pakistan's agenda.

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