US commends Pak efforts for peace in region

Fatemi briefs Rice on human rights violations in held Kashmir

WASHINGTON: The United States has lauded the efforts of Pakistan for peace in the region.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi met the US National Security Adviser Susan Rice at the White House on Saturday.During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, including anti-terrorism measures, defence and economic cooperation, were discussed.

Fatemi also briefed Rice over the human rights violations in the Indian Held Kashmir (IHK) and continued violence by the Indian forces at the Line of Control (LoC).Rice expressed concern over the tensions at the LoC. She added that the US supports peace talks for regional peace and values its relationship with Pakistan. She appreciated Pakistan’s attendance at the Heart of Asia Conference in Amritsar.

Fatemi said the Indian forces are targeting Pakistani civilians along different parts of the LoC. Rice said all countries have to play their role for peace in the region.

Fatemi earlier met Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services and former
presidential candidate Senator John McCain and discussed the regional security and bilateral ties with them.The situation on the LoC along with the Pak-Afghan relations also came under discussion in these meetings.