Trust deficit between Pak, US forces shrinking: McChrystal
By Sajjad Malik, Tuesday, January 05, 2010
ISLAMABAD: The trust deficit between Pakistan and US forces is shrinking, but it needs to shrink further, Afghan Coalition Commander General Stanley McChrystal said on Monday. Talking to journalists at the US embassy, he said trust deficit was the main issue between Pakistan and the US, as well as Pakistan and Afghanistan, adding enhanced cooperation was the key to building trust. He said, The best we can do is build trust for achieving the desired results in the war against terror. McChrystal appreciated the ability, strength and capability of the Pakistan Army during the military operation against the Taliban. He emphasised the need for more strategic cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries for developing a joint counter campaign. McChrystal said he had been in touch with Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani and talked to him about the ongoing issues and about enhancing cooperation between the US and Pakistani armed forces.
Give up: Moreover, McChrystal said several senior Taliban leaders would give up violence to join the Afghan society under the countrys constitution. I believe that there is a tremendous number of Taliban, somewhat senior, who will very open to rejoining Afghan society under the constitution and I think that is not only possible, that is very likely, he said. As we make progress and move forward, the opportunity to integrate what will be former Taliban fighters back in the society, with respect, offers a good chance to reduce not only threat of insurgency in Pakistan and Afghanistan but the opportunity for a better life for them, he added. McChrystal hoped for action against the Haqqani network, which is a source of serious issues in Afghanistan.
He said he had not demanded more Pakistani troops on the countrys western border and refused to comment on the statement of the Indian Army chief regarding waging a war against China and Pakistan. He said he would not tender strategic advice to the Pakistan Army chief.
Differences: He rejected any differences with Pakistan over a surge in troops in Afghanistan and said he had a dialogue with General Kayani on the issue. To a question on the Quetta shura, the US commander said the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan were a common threat. On sharing drone technology with Pakistan, he said it was a policy matter and not in his purview.
McChrystal said infiltration into Afghanistan from Pakistan and vice versa was going on and called for joint efforts to control it. He said the borders could not be sealed but could be tightened on both sides through information sharing and cooperation.
Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan