US lauds Pakistan for facilitating Murree talks

Commander Resolute Support Mission & US Forces in Afghanistan Gen John Campbell calls on army chief at GHQ

RAWALPINDI: Commander Resolute Support Mission & US Forces in Afghanistan General John Campbell has acknowledged Pakistan’s sincere efforts in bringing peace in Afghanistan, particularly its role in facilitating the recent peace talks between Taliban and the government in Kabul held in Murree.

According to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Campbell called on Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif at the GHQ in Rawalpindi on Thursday.

Gen John Campbell,Comd Resolute Support Mission&US Forces in Afgn called on#COAS at GHQ.Security situation along Pak-Afgn Border discussed-1

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 23, 2015

Gen Campbell acknowledged Pak's sincere efforts,particularly of #COAS for facilitating recent Murree Peace Talks-2/3 pic.twitter.com/sj317aTIid

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 23, 2015

Pakistan recently hosted the first-ever direct talks between the Afghan government and Taliban representatives at the popular tourist resort as part of its efforts to put an end to over a decade-old conflict in the war-torn country.

Senior officials from Pakistan, China and the United States also attended the closed-door talks suggesting that the Murree process had the backing of all major international players.

While security situation along the Pak-Afghan border was discussed, the US commander also appreciated gains of the continuing military offensive against militants in FATA, Operation Zarb-e-Azb, which are greatly helping to bring peace and stability in the entire region.

Gen Cambell also appreciated gains of ongoing Op #ZarbeAzb which are greatly helping to bring peace and stability in the entire region-3

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 23, 2015

Read: US security adviser acknowledges Pakistan’s sacrifices in war on terror

Earlier on Wednesday, US National Security Adviser Susan Rice in a meeting with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi in Washington, acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism and appreciated its commitment to eliminate the menace.

Both the diplomats also reaffirmed their desire for continued close coordination to realise peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.