Thaindian News

Islamabad, April 21(ANI): US-Pakistan relations are “now constantly under strain” due to the Raymond Davis incident, but Washington is determined to maintain bilateral military ties with Islamabad, President Barack Obama’s top military officer has said.

The US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, Admiral Mike Mullen, who arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday, admitted that the relationship between Pakistan and the United States was going through a turbulent phase.

“I admit strain in Pak-US ties for the past many months. I have come to Pakistan again because of our relations with Pakistan and the importance of the region. Me, my army and people know that a difficult phase has come in our relations. Relations are now constantly under strain because of the Raymond Davis incident which was a difficult phase for us. However, we are determined to maintain Pak-US military ties,” The News quoted Admiral Mullen, as saying.

He also acknowledged a lack of trust between Pakistan and the US, and the prevailing anti-American sentiments in the Asian country.

“I know the opinion Pakistanis have about the United States, and I am personally involved in the process of improving this and hope that our relations become better and stronger. This region faces a number of security challenges. It is a very difficult time. There is insurgency in Afghanistan and the citizens of Pakistan are facing threats that we are going to fight together, and that cannot be ignored,” said Admiral Mullen.

When asked whether he thought that the US’ allegation that Pakistan is being insincere in its endeavours against militants, breeds suspicion in the mind of the Pakistani public, who then doubt the credentials of their own leadership and have negative perceptions about the US, the top military officer replied that while the US was “very appreciative of the Pakistan Army which has rendered great sacrifices”, it remained concerned about the presence of terrorist groups in Pakistan’s tribal areas.

“What I am concentrating on myself here is the presence of al-Qaeda and its leadership, which pose a big threat to the US. It is the Haqqani network which is killing the Americans across the border. We have to work together to eliminate this threat by sharing intelligence available on both sides and also defeating organisations like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and TTP that now wish to be recognised internationally,” Admiral Mullen explained.

“Anything that aids groups like the Haqqani network or others who support those Taliban that are killing American soldiers in Afghanistan, then I have some responsibilities,” he said in response to another question. (ANI)