Pakistani PM: U.S. must give peace a chance

Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has called upon US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to give peace a chance as envisaged in the All Parties Conference's resolution, which reflects the sentiments of Pakistani nation, local media reported on Friday. The prime minister made the remarks during his meeting Thursday night with Clinton, who called on him at the Prime Minister's House. The prime minister reiterated the collective national view on the issue of peace in Afghanistan as articulated in the All Parties Conference's resolution. Disagreements between the coalition partners in the war on terror should not undermine strategic relationship, said Gilani. The discussion also focused on the bilateral relations, especially in the fields of security, economy, energy and investment. Clinton, "I have too much respect for Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and for the country." She recognized the importance of Pakistan in the context of peace and security in the region. She appreciated the All Parties Conference's resolution, which she said, was a right message from Pakistan to the world. In the meeting, the Pakistan's side included Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Chief of Army Staff General Asfhaq Parvez Kayani, Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence Lt. General Ahmad Shuja Pasha, Foreign Secretary and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. Hillary Clinton was joined by General Patraeus, director CIA, Marc Grossman, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Cameron Munter, chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempesy, and Lt. General Douglas Lute.