Pak concern over new US policy in the region

US president Barack Obama

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has voiced concern over the new American strategy on Afghanistan-Pakistan region and asked Washington to address the matter.

During a meeting with visiting US Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke and Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Prime Minister Gilani said his government has "concerns" on the new policy unveiled by US president Barack Obama.

He hoped the US administration "would take into account his government's concerns about the new US policy towards Pakistan and Afghanistan as enunciated by President (Barack) Obama on March 27," said an official statement.

The statement did not give details of Pakistan's concerns in this regard.

While unveiling the policy, Obama had observed that the threat to the world is emanating from these two countries and vowed to "disrupt" and "defeat" the extremist groups responsible for the dangers.

He talked about involvement of India besides other countries of the region, saying they do not benefit from the "base for Al-Qaeda terrorists and a region that descends into chaos" and have a "stake in the promise of lasting peace and security and development."

Gilani, meanwhile, expressed his satisfaction at the continuing parleys between the two sides on all aspects of their multifaceted relations. He also thanked the US for its role for the success of the forthcoming Friends of Pakistan ministerial meeting and donors' conference in Tokyo. Holbrooke congratulated Gilani for his role in promoting democracy and political reconciliation in Pakistan.

Underlining the importance of Pakistan's political and economic stability and peace and security for US, Holbrooke said his country's administration will continue to render all possible assistance to Islamabad.

He assured Gilani that he would bring the views of Pakistan's leadership to the attention of US authorities on his return to Washington. Holbrooke also assured Gilani that he would make efforts to build trust and remove misunderstanding between the two countries.