US, expressing its concerns over the Haqqani network, has acknowledged that without Pakistan cooperation the situation in Afghanistan cannot improve and expressed its desire for cordial relationship between the two countries.
United States Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman who arrived here on Thursday morning held meetings with Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership and discussed Pak-US relations in a bid to deescalate tensions between the two countries.
The tensions escalated between the Pakistan and US when Admiral Mike Mullen blamed Pakistan’s Inters Services Intelligence (ISI) for helping Haqqani network carrying out attacks in Afghanistan, but efforts are underway from the two sides to improve ties.
The visiting US envoy separately called on Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in Islamabad and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani in Rawalpindi.
According to a statement issued by ISPR, the visiting dignitary remained with him for some time and discussed measures for Pak-US cooperative framework for peace in the region.
According to sources, besides regional security situation, Kayani and Grossman exchanged views over the recent tension between the two allies.
In the meeting, Kayani emphasised the need of a relationship based on equality between the two countries and stressed promoting bilateral cooperation, trust and intelligence sharing, sources said.
The army chief and US diplomat also discussed Pak-Afghan border security situation amid conciliatory process between the two neighbouring counties. Kayani made it clear to Marc Grossman that Pakistan would no longer tolerate attacks on its soil by Afghanistan, and that US should control the situation.
Kayani also strongly refuted the US allegations regarding ISI links with the Haqqani network and said that Pakistan Army is fighting the front line war in the war against terror. The sacrifices made by our soldiers are unmatched and our troops or intelligence agencies have no link with any terrorist organisation, he added.
The COAS also called for end to volleys of allegations and said that such allegations could adversely affect not only the war on terror but also the cordial relations between the two countries.
According to sources, on this occasion Marc Grossman, while calling for cordial, and improved relations between the two allies, said that the two countries need to cooperate with each other in the fight against terror. He said that the US has concerns over the Haqqani network and its safe havens in North Waziristan and that Pakistan needs to address those concerns.
He acknowledged that the relationship between the two countries had soured in recent times, but stressed that it is time to move forward and make joint efforts for peace in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, according to PM House spokesman, Grossman called on Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and discussed regional and international issues. The meeting held at the PM House focused on Pak-US ties, with special reference to Afghanistan.
Gilani expressed the resolve of the government and the Pakistani people to fight out extremism and terrorism in their totality.
Both sides agreed to pursue bilateral cooperation in the field of trade, water and power and infrastructure.
Our concerns over Haqqani network should be addressed: US envoy
