Recognise Pakistan’s progress in war on terror: Mullen

[Naveed Yaseen]

*Washington will extend support at Pakistan’s own pace
*US wants Pak, India to engage in senior-level talks

WASHINGTON: Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff committee, told US lawmakers on Tuesday that it is important to recognise the success of the Pakistan Army offensive against the Taliban that has recently cemented the long-term strategic and cooperative relationship between the two countries.

In reference to the army’s offensive in the NWFP, Mullen said in the last year the Pakistani military and the Frontier Corps had achieved a lot.

"A lot has changed in the last year in Pakistan in terms of what the Pakistani military and the Frontier Corps have achieved. And I think it's important to recognise that, because a year or two ago, there were many people who were very sceptical that they would do anything at all. And they've had a big impact," Mullen said at a Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for his second term as chairman.

Islamabad’s decision: He said the US would continue to support Islamabad at the pace the country desired.

"We are there to support them where they are asking for our support. That said, it's only going to go as fast as they want it to go. I've been there I think 13 times. It's very clear to me that they very much appreciate the support, but it's going to be at their pace --- even though many of us would like to see it happen more quickly," he added.

He drew lawmakers' attention to the vitality of US assistance for Pakistan in the long-term under a pending bipartisan bill, sponsored by senators John Kerry and Richard Lugar.

"We think that is an important long-term relationship. They still ask, are you staying or going this time? That’s not unlike the question that gets asked in Afghanistan. The Kerry-Lugar bill is very important, as far as I am concerned, because it is not about $ 1.5 billion a year as much a five-year commitment to Pakistan. So our strategy is, I think, much more comprehensive with Pakistan than it used to be. But there are limits. It's a sovereign country, and they are very much in charge of their own country," Mullen said.

More engagement: Mullen said the US wanted India and Pakistan to engage at senior-level talks as Washington was seeking opportunities to build confidence between the two South Asian nations. He added that both countries faced common regional threats of violent extremism.

"India and Pakistan share a common regional threat of violent extremism. Our strategy is regionally focused and acknowledges that what happens in one country affects the other," Mullen said. app

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