Zardari Tells US Delegation Drone Strikes Counterproductive

Islamabad, June 14, IRNA -- President Asif Ali Zardari has told a visiting US Congressional delegation American drone attacks in his country’s are counterproductive and undermined the cooperative equation of the two countries. The President also expressed hope that the US side would show greater understanding of the sentiments of the people of Pakistan who were greatly hurt by the NATO strike of border check-post in November. The US delegation is visiting Pakistan at a time when talks on the reopening of NATO supply line have failed. Both sides held talks over the past six weeks in Islamabad but they could not reach any agreement. Discussing regional situation, the President reiterated that a genuine reconciliation process in Afghanistan which is Afghan-led and Afghan-owned was the only viable solution to the Afghan conflict and all efforts should be focused on promoting an Afghan all-inclusive reconciliation process. US Congressional delegation was headed by Representative Todd Platts, a statement from the President’s office said. Pak-US bilateral relations, war against militants and overall regional situation was discussed during the meeting, the statement said. The President during meeting reiterated his call for the two sides to work closely for bridging the trust deficit, cooperating with each other on clearly defined parameters on the basis of mutual interest and respect. He said that Pakistan was committed to have a strong, sustainable and enduring relationship with the US that is based on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, trust and mutual understanding and cooperation. Representative Todd Platts thanked the President for meeting and said that US wanted to re-engage Pakistan and help the people in all possible manners./end