No change in policy on Kashmir: John McCain

ISLAMABAD: US Senator John McCain on Sunday asserted that there was no change in the US position on Kashmir and the country will continue its existing policy on Kashmir.He said this during his meeting with Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz here.

The delegation included senators Lindsey Graham, Sheldon Whitehouse, Elizabeth Warren and David Perdue. Deputy Chief of Mission of US Embassy Jonathan Pratt was also present in the meeting. The two sides discussed the Pak-US ties, matters of regional importance, peace in Afghanistan and the US role in the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG).

Senator McCain emphasized the need for finding a diplomatic solution to the contentious issues, bedeviling the relations between Pakistan and India.

Stressing the importance of Pakistan in regional stability, Senator McCain said Pakistan’s role was important for peace and stability in Afghanistan.He further said peace and prosperity in Afghanistan were not possible without Pakistan’s help.

News Desk adds: Meanwhile, a delegation of US Senate (Armed Services Committee) headed by Senator John McCain called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Sunday, says an ISPR press release.

The delegation included senators Lindsey Graham, Sheldon Whitehouse, Elizabeth Warren, David Perdue and senior members of staff. Jonathan, US Charge d’ Affairs to Pakistan, also accompanied the delegation.

The delegation was briefed about the regional security situation, including Afghanistan, and also briefed how Pakistan had positively contributed towards peace and stability in the region.The COAS thanked the senators for the visit and efforts for forging mutual understanding of the geo-pol/security situation and challenges ahead. The COAS reiterated that Pakistan had done its best despite constraints and would continue its efforts for peace and stability. In this regard, enduring Pak-US security cooperation is a key factor.

Senator McCain appreciated and acknowledged Pak Army’s contributions and sacrifices in war on terror. The senator also agreed on the importance of Pak-Afghan security cooperation and coordination.