WASHINGTON DC: The US Department of State has urged Pakistan to fullycooperate with India into the investigation of the recent terrorist attackin Pulwama, located in Indian held Kashmir.
In a rare occasion, the State Department press briefing started with thefirst question on India and the Deputy Spokesperson, Mr Palladino repliedby saying that “we condemn in the strongest terms possible the terroristattack that occurred last week on an Indian Central Reserve Police Forceconvoy in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
We’re committed to working with the Indian government to combat terrorismin all of its forms. The perpetrator of that heinous act claimed allegianceto the United Nations-designated, Pakistan-based terrorist groupJaish-e-Mohammed, and we call on all countries to uphold theirresponsibilities pursuant to the United Nations Security Councilresolutions to deny safe haven and support for terrorists.
When asked what the US would like to see Pakistan specifically do in thecase of Jaish-e-Mohammed and what legal actions Pakistan could take, theSpokesperson said that “we have been in close communication with theGovernment of India to express not only our condolences but our strongsupport for India as it confronts this terrorism.
And we – as you know, we have a close, cooperative relationship with India,a security relationship, and that includes counterterrorism operations. Andso we’re committed to working with India, the Indian government, and onthese counterterrorism efforts, both bilaterally and multilaterally,including at the United Nations.”
With regard to Pakistan, Palladino said that “we’ve been in contact withPakistan on this issue. We urge Pakistan to fully cooperate with theinvestigation into the attack and to punish anyone responsible.“
On another question about India, the deputy spokesperson said that no moreon India and to move to the next question.
While replying to a question about Saudi Arabia playing a mediator rolebetween Pakistan and India, the spokesperson said that he was not aware ofsuch efforts.