Military

Condoleezza Rice regrets killing of Pakistani soldiers in US air raids

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, June 13, IRNA
Pakistan-U.S-Rice
U.S Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Friday expressed regret over the killing of 11 Pakistani soldiers in air raids by American planes, the Foreign Ministry said.

Pakistan army says the soldiers were killed in U.S air raids on a Pakistani border check post in Mohmand Agency this week.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met in Paris with the U.S Secretary of State, following their participation in the International Conference on Afghanistan.

"The US Secretary of State expressed deep regrets into the tragic incident of Mohmand agency and suggested to initiate a joint investigation of the incident which resulted in the loss of precious lives, " a Foreign Ministry statement said.

She also suggested to keep the lines of communication open.

They agreed that it was important to find a joint solution to problems which both sides face, the statement said.

"They also agreed to have continued cooperation and discussions on issues of mutual interest in future.

In this regard, future contacts at senior officials level from both sides will continue in order to redress any misgivings".

The US secretary of State promised to expedite the establishment of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) which will make a qualitative difference in the lives of the inhabitants of the region.

Their meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere in which they discussed bilateral relations, with special focus on the recent developments in the region, the Foreign Ministry said.

They agreed to continue their cooperation in their joint fight against terrorism, it said.

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