Pakistan asks John Kerry to stop drone strikes

Pakistan on Thursday asked the visiting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to stop drone strikes in the country's tribal regions. The U.S. pilotless aircraft fired missiles at suspected militants' hideout in northwest Pakistan's tribal regions on ground that militants launched cross-border attacks in Afghanistan. "Pakistan has asked the United States to change its policy on drone attacks which are not only in violation of our sovereignty but also have been proved as counter-productive," Advisor on National Security Sartaj Aziz told a joint press conference with Kerry. He said both sides agreed to continue dialogue to review the policy of drone attacks. They announced resumption of their strategic dialogue to deepen partnership in various fields. The strategic dialogue between both countries was suspended after NATO fighter jets bombed a Pakistani border checkpost and killed 24 soldiers in November 2011. The last round of talks was held in October 2010 in Washington. Kerry said his country wants long-term and strong relationship with Pakistan. "Both countries witness some differences in past few years in their relations but we hope resumption of strategic dialogue will help bridge the gap," Kerry said after meeting with government and military leaders. He said Pakistan and the United States are facing common enemy in the shape of terrorists and they will have to work together to root-out the menace of terrorism, adding that overcoming terrorism is also of vital importance for economic revival of Pakistan. He urged Pakistan to be tough on the militants. Kerry said he has delivered an invitation to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from U.S. President Barack Obama to visit Washington later this year which has been accepted by the Prime Minister. "The United States fully respects Pakistan's sovereignty and wants deep-rooted relations with it on the basis of mutual respect and interest," he said, "The militants do not respect Pakistan's sovereignty by killing civilians." Kerry applauded Pakistan's role in bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan, acknowledging the sacrifices of Pakistani security forces in the war against terrorism. He also appreciated Pakistan's role in bringing Taliban to dialogue table to promote reconciliation in Afghanistan. "The United Stated is working for resumption of four important trade routes between Pakistan and Afghanistan." He termed dialogue with Pakistani leadership as positive and constructive and hoped these will lead to further expansion of bilateral relations. "We discussed all issues of mutual concerns including Afghanistan, terrorism and cooperation in energy and education sectors." Sartaj Aziz said that Pakistan wants to enhance trade and investment relations with the United States besides seeking cooperation in education. He hoped that the resumption of strategic dialogue will lead to expanded cooperation in various fields, adding Pakistan wants greater market access to the United States with increase in trade volume up to eleven billion dollars. He said Pakistan wants more U. S. direct foreign investment to revive its economy. He said Pakistan is working to maintain good relations with all its neighbors including Afghanistan. He added that Pakistan will fully assist foreign forces withdrawal from Afghanistan next year and support Afghan-led reconciliation process to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan.