Pakistan played key role in pushing al Qaeda closer to defeat: US official

WASHINGTON (92 News) – US Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan has said that aid can be reinstated if Pakistan takes a decisive action against terrorists. Providing an update on the US South Asia strategy in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he reiterated the US commitment to play its part in reducing tensions in the South Asia in a way that address Pakistan’s legitimate concerns. The US deputy secretary of state said that Pakistan has played an important role in pushing al-Qaeda closer to defeat, adding that the US continue to value our relationship with Pakistan and recognize the benefits of cooperation. Sullivan went on to say that the US also acknowledge the enormous sacrifices of the Pakistani people and security forces in combating terrorism. “We hope that Pakistan will help to convince the Taliban to enter a peace process,” he expressed. He also appreciated Pakistan for securing its nuclear weapons, hosting Afghan refugees, and providing access for supplies and equipment used by US and Afghan forces. The deputy secretary of state told the Committee that we also encourage restraint in Pakistan’s military nuclear and missile programs, and seek continued, closer alignment of Pakistan’s nonproliferation policies with our own.