Speaking of the meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Obama said it was “an opportunity to further deepen the relationship between the United States and Pakistan”.
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Behind the cordial notes emerging from Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Washington, the Obama administration, with Afghanistan on its mind, seems to have done a few straight talk on terror groups thriving on Pakistani soil.
“All that I would say is that given Pakistan’s history of clandestine and illegal activity on the nuclear side, obviously the implications of this assertion by Pakistan foreign secretary will have to be carefully considered”, he said, noting the US-Pakistan joint statement mentions that the two leaders discussed “nuclear terrorism”.
On a query on resolution of disputes between India and Pakistan, the spokesperson said, India has always desired resolution of all issues bilaterally.
According to a media report released today, before Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s meeting with US President Barack Obama, the Congress was informed just days ago about the proposed sale of the additional fighters.
President Obama highlighted Pakistan’s willingness to support such talks to end insurgency in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif along with his family arrived Washington on Tuesday.
Obama recently announced that United States troops would be staying in Afghanistan longer than he had promised, but few believe a military solution is possible.
Apparently concerned over Pakistan’s assertion that it has made low-yield nuclear weapons to bridge the gap for war that India had created through its cold-start doctrine, Obama also cautioned Sharif against raising nuclear tensions with new weapons.
“The leaders pledged to continue their strong cooperation on nuclear security, including at the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit”, the readout said.
On Friday, Ahmar Mustikhan interrupted Sharif’s speech and demanded freedom of Balochistan Province, where the Pakistani Army has been engaged in acts of torture and killing of Baloch who are demanding freedom. A few in Washington fear Pakistan has been increasing its nuclear arsenal, which could provoke further instability with its longtime regional rival India, also a nuclear power. We also remain hopeful that both governments can re-establish negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty (BIT), which would undoubtedly give greater confidence to potential investors.
Asked if the United States was satisfied with counterterrorism actions that Pakistan is taking, including against the Haqqani Network and LeT, he said: “Pakistan has embarked on significant military operations that have had a significant impact”. As expected, the issue did not come up during the visit; the joint statement made only vague references to Pakistan’s participation in a US-hosted nuclear security summit next year.
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He said Pakistan was ready for dialogue but India was putting preconditions.
