Mullen calls for sustained US relationship with Pakistan

Washington, Nov 5 : America's top general has called for fostering a sustained US relationship with Pakistan as he said Washington has obligation toward security of the region it abandoned two decades ago.

Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman Joint Chiefs Staff, expressed his appreciation for Pakistan's response to the serious terrorist threat and said the Pakistani leadership, military and its people recongize the militant threat to their country.

Speaking at the National Press Club, he acknowledged the fact that Pakistan has deployed 30,000 troops to confront terrorists in their South Waziristan stronghold on the western Afghan border but also underlined the toughness of the challenge in the difficult mountainous terrain.

"It's a very tough fight; they are going into the heart of enemy territory right now. And I think it's going to continue to be a very tough fight, but he (Army Chief Gen. Kayani) clearly, and the leadership, recognizes the seriousness of the situation," the Dawn quoted Mullen, as saying.

"And if you just look at the bombings that have occurred in the last couple of weeks - and more and more Pakistani citizens who are getting killed - and I think they are responding in recognition of the seriousness of this extremist group."

At the same time, Mullen said Pakistanis have concerns vis-a-vis India on the eastern border.

"They're still very concerned about India. That's not going to go away overnight and we're not going to wish that away," he said.

--ANI