Summary PM Pervez Ashraf has expresses concern over US drone strikes in Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf raised the issue of drone attacks in the backdrop of attack at Mir Ali with US Ambassador Richard Olson in Islamabad on Thursday.
Expressing his concern over the drone attacks‚ the Prime Minister said that they are counterproductive and we need to find alternative means to eliminate terrorists.
The US Ambassador noted the concern of the government and the people of Pakistan and said that he will convey the concern of the government of Pakistan to US authorities.
Congratulating the US Ambassador on his appointment in Pakistan‚ the PM expressed the hope that relations between Pakistan and US would be further strengthened during his tenure as his experience of the region will be helpful in creating a better understanding between the two countries.
Raja Pervez Ashraf said that things have improved considerably since 2008 when the media was rife with statements that terrorists were near Islamabad. The Present government‚ he said‚ with the support of the people‚ international community‚ law enforcement agencies has succeeded in pushing these terrorist and is confident that they would be wiped out.
The Prime Minister said we are fighting against those who attack our mosques‚ schools‚ cantonments and innocent civilians and children. and we have to do a lot‚ but we will wipe them out.
The Prime Minister said that recent interaction between two countries at different levels have been very encouraging.
The US Ambassador said that the United States acknowledges the sacrifices and contribution rendered by the people of Pakistan. He said the international community does not appreciate Pakistan s contributions "as much as it should".
Mr. Olson said that United States wants to have a long term relationship with Pakistan base on "mutual respect and common interest".
The US Ambassador said that the United States is encouraged by the recent visit of Chairman High Peace Council Salahuddin Rabbani‚ Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassuol and the visit of General Kayani to Kabul.
