Gen. David Petraeus, making his first trip abroad as the new head of U.S. Central Command, met in Pakistan with new President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, and other government and military leaders. Asked by Reza Sayah, a journalist, if he heard any criticism over the U.S. attacks, Petraeus said he had.
“In fact, we got certain messages with each of those we talked today and some of those were very clear and we have to take those on board,” Petraeus said Monday. “This is a partnership, a cooperative endeavor designed to achieve mutual goals and mutual interests and so we have to clearly accept that.”
Speaking to media, the Pakistani ambassador to the United States, expressed his country’s displeasure Monday in no uncertain terms.
“The U.S. has to stop acting unilaterally,” said Ambassador Husain Haqqani.
The U.S. has launched numerous missile attacks against suspected al-Qaeda and Taliban hideouts in the remote tribal regions of Pakistan that borders Afghanistan.
The U.S. military has become frustrated with Islamabad over the years, saying it has not done enough against militants — a claim Pakistan denies. The United States also has complained that some Pakistani intelligence officials are helping the Taliban.
Petraeus said he broached the subject Monday.
“Well, in fact, we raised this issue,” Petraeus said. “And I think the tone of the conversation today was very frank and very forthright as it should be, among partners who are facing a truly serious challenge, and that’s the way we want to see it characterized and play out in the future.”
Pakistan realizes the threat that terrorists pose, Petraeus said, and is committed to acting on it.
“One of the clear messages that I got today was the recognition by Pakistan’s leaders of the existential threat as they see it from extremists who are in those areas,” Petraeus said. “They are very serious about dealing with that threat.”
news by www.apakistannews.com
