US military chief calls for reduction of tension on Jammu and Kashmir border

(WARNING): Article contains propaganda!

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Washington, Dec 9 : A top US Military official who considers reduction of tension on the Jammu-Kashmir border a prerequisite for regional stability has welcomed India's recent move to cut down troop-level on that front.

"I really do believe that detensioning that border is absolutely critical to the long-term stability in that region, and it’s going to take outreach on the part of both countries", US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen yesterday said adding, "So I’m very positively moved by the steps that Prime Minister Singh’s government has taken with respect to this".

Talking to mediapersons at the Foreign Press Center here, Admiral Mullen said, "I think that the adjustments that the Indians have proposed, and to the degree that has been executed -- I am just not current on the level of execution right now -- but certainly executing those changes is a very positive step." "And I think and the political leadership, the diplomatic leadership and, the military leadership in both countries, and in the region, needs to continue to encourage and also to respond to that," the Admiral said.

Replying to a Pakistan journalist, he said, "In the long run, I think the resolution of the border in the east in Kashmir is a very important outcome. Obviously, that is a principal concern to India and Pakistan. But it is of concern to many others in terms of the stability in the region, and I think that’s a key part of what needs to happen in the future".

Praising the Pakistani military for its recent operations in South Waziristan, he said Pakistani Army Chief of Staff General Ashfaq Kiyani had been true to his word, and "I very much appreciate his leadership." He said, a key part of the president’s (Barack Obama’s) strategy is to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan and to improve the level of coordination across and within those border regions.

"I believe that to the degree we can do this we can certainly help the Pakistanis themselves get at those safe havens," the chairman said.

Admiral Mullen said Al-Qaida remained a danger, and the area along the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan was the epicenter of global Islamic extremism.

He said the border area was where Al-Qaida planned the 9/11 attacks.

"Should we be hit again, I’m convinced the planning, training, financing and leadership will emanate from there. That is why we are so focused on it. That’s why we believe this mission is in our national security interests and those of our allies and friends, he said.