U.S. silent on Pakistan's anti-terror pledge during delegation's visit
The United States has declined to say whether Pakistan gave any assurance of taking action against terrorists operating from its soil during a high-level delegation visit led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
'I am not going to discuss the details of those conversations,' said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, when asked directly if Washington received any commitment from Islamabad on counterterrorism measures during last week's visit of an all-parliamentary delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Bilateral issues
The Pakistani parliamentary delegation met with senior U.S. officials last week, including Undersecretary for Political Affairs Alison Hooker.
According to Ms. Bruce, the discussions focused on key issues in the bilateral relationship, including counterterrorism cooperation. Ms. Hooker also reiterated U.S. support for the ongoing ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
While the U.S. emphasised the importance of regional stability, there was no public indication that Pakistan had offered any fresh commitments to rein in terror groups operating from its territory — an issue that remains central to U.S.-India ties.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with an Indian parliamentary delegation led by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. During the meeting, the U.S. official reaffirmed America's strong support for India in the fight against terrorism and the broader strategic partnership between the two countries, Ms. Bruce said.
She responded cautiously when asked about any follow-up to President Donald Trump's past offer to mediate the dispute between India and Pakistan after the ceasefire. She noted that she could not speak for the president or speculate on the administration's plans.
'What I do know… is that President Trump, in each step that he takes, it's made to solve generational differences between countries, generational war,' she said.
Ms. Bruce praised Mr. Trump's track record of bringing unlikely parties to the negotiating table but declined to elaborate on any future mediation plans related to Kashmir. 'You can call the White House… they would have plenty to say,' she added.
(5WH.com)
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