WASHINGTON – Sticking to its do-more mantra, the US has linked resumptionof the suspended security aid of some $2 billion to Pakistan with decisiveand sustained action against alleged terrorist sanctuaries on Pakistan’sterritory.
The US Deputy Secretary of State, John Sullivan, has said Pakistan is notheeding President Donald Trump’s demand to end the sanctuaries it gives tothe Taliban and other extremists – charges Pakistan long has vehementlydenied.
He said this while briefing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on theAfghan war and the US link> South Asia strategy.“We may consider lifting the suspension when we see decisive and sustainedactions to address our concerns,” Sullivan said.
The US has reiterated its commitment to play its part in reducing tensionsin the South Asia in a way that address Pakistan’s legitimate concerns,Radio Pakistan adds.
John Sullivan said they will continue to value their relationship withlink>Pakistanlink> and recognize the benefits ofcooperation. He said link>Pakistanlink> has played an important role inpushing al-Qaida closer to defeat.
Sullivan also appreciated link>Pakistanlink> for securing its nuclear weapons,hosting Afghan refugees, and providing access for supplies and equipmentused by US link>and Afghan forces.
He said they also acknowledged the enormous sacrifices of the Pakistanipeople and security forces in combating terrorism.
He expressed the hope that link>Pakistanlink> will help to convince the Taliban toenter a peace process.
The Deputy Secretary of State told the Committee that they also encouragedrestraint in Pakistan’s military nuclear and missile programmes, and soughtcontinued, closer alignment of Pakistan’s non-proliferation policies withtheir own.