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Pakistani PM warns against US drone strikes' expansion

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Dec 17, IRNA -- Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani warned visiting US Army Chief expansion of US drone strikes will affect terror war efforts, officials said Wednesday.

The US Joint Chief of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen met the Prime Minister on the second-day of his visit, a statement from the Prime Minister office said.

The meeting came amid reports that the US is planning to expand its drone strikes to southwestern Balochistan Province hoping to hit the Afghan Taliban leaders.

The US intelligence agencies assume the Afghan Taliban leaders are hiding in Pakistan's Balochistan Province and are planning imminent attacks on NATO forces.

“The Prime Minister said that drone attacks in Balochistan would be highly counterproductive and would affect Government of Pakistan’s efforts to confront the challenge of terrorism,” the statement said.

The statement did not mention what the U.S admiral said to the Prime Minister’s quest on the drone strikes.

The Prime Minister reiterated the Government of Pakistan resolve to promote long-term strategic partnership with US.

“It is our desire to engage closely with the US with a view to enhance cooperation for the achievement of common objectives,” the statement quoted the PM as saying in the meeting.

Talking about the ongoing military operation against the militants, the Prime Minister said that this is our own war and every effort would be made to eliminate this menace. He said that Pakistan would continue to engage with the US and international community in developing a pragmatic and effective approach to address the issues that have endangered security and stability in the region as a whole.

Gilani said that Pakistan expects the US for timely reimbursement of its claims on account of coalition support fund.

Admiral Michael Mullen informed the Prime Minister that US desires good relations with Pakistan, the statement said. He also appreciated the role and successes of Pakistan Army in its fight against the militants.

During the meeting Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kiyani assisted the Prime Minister. American Ambassador in Pakistan Ms. Anne W. Paterson was also present during the meeting.