US supports Pakistan's move to hold peace talks with Taliban
- October 25, 2013, 8:02 pm
- World News
- 131 Views
WASHINGTON Oct 24 (Online): The United States has supported Pakistan government's initiative to start dialogue with Tehreek-e-Taliban‚ noting that the move has strong domestic consensus.
Talking to Pakistan's media men in Washington at the conclusion of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit‚ a senior State Department official said the Obama Administration has no objection to the aims‚ laid out by Pakistan to resolve the issue through talks.
Meanwhile‚ senior State Department and Administration officials told media that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's election and assumption of power has offered a new opportunity for the two countries.
They said President Obama appreciated Nawaz Sharif's resolve to address challenges facing Pakistan including eliminating terrorism and militancy on the Afghan border as well as his commitment to seek peace with neighbours including India and Afghanistan.
The officials said the Pakistani side noted that violence along the Line of Control in disputed Kashmir region as a major obstacle to progress in relationship with India.
They said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif urged the United States to encourage continued progress of Pakistan-India dialogue and in response Washington pledged to use its influence to encourage both governments towards that direction.
The State Department and Obama Administration officials said Pakistan also raised the issue of Afghan soil being used against it particularly by India.
They said the United States shares Pakistan's interest in becoming a stable and democratic country.
