US reaches out to Bajwa, offers ceasefire to Afghan

[ghazi52]

Pakistan, US break the ice as secretary of state calls up COAS to discuss Afghan peace

Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa discussed the need for political reconciliation in Afghanistan as President Ashraf Ghani announced a ceasefire with the Taliban, officials said on Thursday.

Pompeo, who was the head of CIA before his appointment as secretary of state, telephoned the army chief on Thursday and according to the State Department discussed “advancing US-Pakistani relations, the need for political reconciliation in Afghanistan and the importance of targeting all militant and terrorist groups in South Asia without any distinction.”

Heather Nauert‏Verified account @statedeptspox

.@SecPompeo also spoke today w/ Pakistan Chief of Army Staff Qamar Bajwa. They discussed advancing U.S.-Pakistani relations, the need for political reconciliation in Afghanistan, and the importance of targeting all militant and terrorist groups in South Asia w/o distinction.

3:52 PM - 6 Jun 2018

This was the first interaction between the new secretary of state and the army chief which came amid deterioration in ties between the two estranged allies.

Only last month, the two countries had imposed tit-for-tat travel restrictions on each other’s diplomats suggesting a new low in their troubled ties.

At the heart of the controversy are the differences between the two sides on how to put an end to the lingering conflict in Afghanistan.

Despite Pakistan’s multiple operations in the tribal areas against militant groups, the US is still not convinced that Islamabad has taken out all outfits, particularly the Haqqani Network which is responsible for most deadly attacks on US-led forces in Afghanistan.

Nevertheless, the two countries are looking for a common ground on Afghanistan. A senior US general in Afghanistan recently revealed that talks were held between Kabul and the Afghan Taliban.

Observers believe such talks were not possible without Pakistan’s facilitation because it has critical role in the Afghan peace talks.

The understanding between Pompeo and Gen Bajwa on the need for political reconciliation in Afghanistan coincided with by President Ghani’s announcement of a ceasefire with the Taliban till June 20.

The Afghan president, however, made it clear that fighting against other militant groups such Islamic State would continue.

Meanwhile, Pakistan strongly condemned the recent suicide attack that targeted a congregation of religious scholars in Kabul.

“We are grieved at the loss of precious innocent lives in this barbaric act of terrorism. We express our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of the injured,” said Dr Muhammad while speaking at a weekly news briefing.

He reiterated Pakistan’s unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and expressed solidarity with the people and government of Afghanistan in this hour of grief and sorrow.

 

[Menace2Society]

Why does every exchange have to be about Afghanistan? Can't they ever talk about trade or normal relations talk.

I hope so much a non PPP non PMNL govt takes over and recalibrates foreign relations.

 

[Green Angel]

Fake relationship.

 

[IceCold]

This chutia of the highest order should never been entertained. What the hell is Bajwa sb thinking. Pompeo is known for his anti Pakistan stance, we should simply tell him to F off till the time US understands and accepts Pakistan as an equally important partner in Afghan peace process and someone they cannot just play with and than throw it away like a soiled tissue paper.
Bajwa sb we expect better from you till the time a proper civilian government takes charge.

 

[Basel]

Pakistan, US break the ice as secretary of state calls up COAS to discuss Afghan peace

Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa discussed the need for political reconciliation in Afghanistan as President Ashraf Ghani announced a ceasefire with the Taliban, officials said on Thursday.

Pompeo, who was the head of CIA before his appointment as secretary of state, telephoned the army chief on Thursday and according to the State Department discussed “advancing US-Pakistani relations, the need for political reconciliation in Afghanistan and the importance of targeting all militant and terrorist groups in South Asia without any distinction.”

Heather Nauert‏Verified account @statedeptspox

.@SecPompeo also spoke today w/ Pakistan Chief of Army Staff Qamar Bajwa. They discussed advancing U.S.-Pakistani relations, the need for political reconciliation in Afghanistan, and the importance of targeting all militant and terrorist groups in South Asia w/o distinction.

3:52 PM - 6 Jun 2018

This was the first interaction between the new secretary of state and the army chief which came amid deterioration in ties between the two estranged allies.

Only last month, the two countries had imposed tit-for-tat travel restrictions on each other’s diplomats suggesting a new low in their troubled ties.

At the heart of the controversy are the differences between the two sides on how to put an end to the lingering conflict in Afghanistan.

Despite Pakistan’s multiple operations in the tribal areas against militant groups, the US is still not convinced that Islamabad has taken out all outfits, particularly the Haqqani Network which is responsible for most deadly attacks on US-led forces in Afghanistan.

Nevertheless, the two countries are looking for a common ground on Afghanistan. A senior US general in Afghanistan recently revealed that talks were held between Kabul and the Afghan Taliban.

Observers believe such talks were not possible without Pakistan’s facilitation because it has critical role in the Afghan peace talks.

The understanding between Pompeo and Gen Bajwa on the need for political reconciliation in Afghanistan coincided with by President Ghani’s announcement of a ceasefire with the Taliban till June 20.

The Afghan president, however, made it clear that fighting against other militant groups such Islamic State would continue.

Meanwhile, Pakistan strongly condemned the recent suicide attack that targeted a congregation of religious scholars in Kabul.

“We are grieved at the loss of precious innocent lives in this barbaric act of terrorism. We express our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of the injured,” said Dr Muhammad while speaking at a weekly news briefing.

He reiterated Pakistan’s unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and expressed solidarity with the people and government of Afghanistan in this hour of grief and sorrow.

Also Bill Gates called COAS today, there is definitely something cooking which usually is not publicly shown.

 

[BHarwana]

Hehehehe
Ghani announced cease fire with Taliban and USA called COAS. Welcome USA we have been waiting.

 

[Dalit]

Why does every exchange have to be about Afghanistan? Can't they ever talk about trade or normal relations talk.

I hope so much a non PPP non PMNL govt takes over and recalibrates foreign relations.

US foreign policy vis a vis Pakistan revolves around two things. One is Afghanistan and the other India. India dictates much of US policy regarding Pakistan. The US has no independent policy.

 

[MBT 3000]

pompeo wtf should have told that moron to f off

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

After india gave the one up their butt , they came to senses real fast

 

[cloud4000]

Even US knows Pakistan's civilian government is useless. Want to get anything done, you need to talk to GHQ.

 

[PDF]

It would be better if Mike first called upon the respective representative of Govt. of Pak and then called the COAS. So much for promoting democracy by not engaging the civilian govt.

 

[ziaulislam]

This chutia of the highest order should never been entertained. What the hell is Bajwa sb thinking. Pompeo is known for his anti Pakistan stance, we should simply tell him to F off till the time US understands and accepts Pakistan as an equally important partner in Afghan peace process and someone they cannot just play with and than throw it away like a soiled tissue paper.
Bajwa sb we expect better from you till the time a proper civilian government takes charge.

its not that simple..
we think pakistan has leverage but forget what if USA says we are leaving and simply put sanctions on pakistan

its not a bad idea to engage with talks, we need to fence, expel refugees, focus on econmy

it seems trump wants afghan problem solved before elections, this is his only card left...
i think he would first want to be veryaggresive and soften up taliban than he would like to reach some sort of agreement, with draw apart from some reisdual special forces, claim victory and with pakistan as fail safe back up plan(things go wrong blame paksitan)

afghan govt after all will not fall in first couple of months

 

[xyx007]

West always looked Pakistan more favorably than India even before this war. The question really is how to break this Nexus(India, Iran, and Kabul) to bring peace when India and Iran support Northern Alliance Afghan government resolve to eliminate complete Taliban. The US has intensified airstrikes, though there has been no significant dent on the Taliban, which controls or contest nearly half the country.
Taliban's insistence that its "Islamic Emirate," ousted in a US-led invasion in 2001 , remains Afghanistan's legitimate government."America must end her occupation and must accept all Taliban legitimate rights including the right to form a government consistent with the beliefs of Afgan people" but this Nexus wants to engage America in Afghanistan for their best interest then how do you expect peace in this situation plus Neighbouring countries are doubtful about America's commitment to a political resolution thought to maintain ties to militant proxies inside Afghanistan in case the war-ravaged country collapses that is why I think America asking that favor from Pakistan to use that channel and bring peace.But Pakistan is helpless in front of Indian Favour Nexus in Afghanistan unless America kick him out.

 

[Path-Finder]

My view is that Syria like situation was being prepped and if one casts their mind back to 2011 when the Syrian strife started on social media. Social media was the crux of the whole plot to bring down the Syrian state!

With DG-ISPR doing a presser informing the people about the use of social media against the state, it was a thinly veiled message and supposedly was not for the domestic audience but rather for the international arena that their ploy of using that tactics of social media for building a scenario against Pakistan is a dead end.

In the briefing the subtle pointing out of things like ptm among others is what mattered the most.

 

[Devil Soul]

US reaches out to Bajwa, offers ceasefire to Afghan Taliban
Anwar IqbalUpdated June 08, 2018
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Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa


WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo launched a new peace initiative for Afghanistan on Thursday, reaching out to the man Washington believes can help them achieve this objective, Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Later, he announced that American and Nato troops in Afghanistan will also observe a temporary ceasefire that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has offered to the Taliban.

A statement released by State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the top US diplomat telephoned the army chief and discussed with him the “need for political reconciliation in Afghanistan and the importance of targeting all militant and terrorist groups in South Asia without distinction.”

They also talked about “ways to advance US-Pakistan bilateral relations”, Ms Nauert added.

Bill Gates praises efforts in fight against polio

All three subjects – relations with Pakistan, Afghan reconciliation and fighting terrorists – are Washington’s main concern in the South Asian region.

Diplomatic observers in Washington say that like previous US governments, the Trump administration also believes that the Pakistan Army has a key role in restoring peace to Afghanistan and that’s why Mr Pompeo called Gen Bajwa, instead of the country’s political leadership.

The observers say that there must be “an urgent reason” for making this unusual call, as Americans prefer to use the Pentagon channel to communicate with a general. They point out that even strained relations with Pakistan did not prevent the Pentagon from maintaining its contacts with Rawalpindi, as top US generals often speak with their counterparts in the Pakistani military establishment.

Earlier this month, Secretary Pompeo told a congressional hearing in Washington that the US was now encouraging direct talks between Taliban and Afghan government officials as the first step towards ending the conflict, which has been simmering for the past 17 years.

Mike Pompeo


And Gen John Nicholson, who commands US and Nato forces in Afghanistan, said earlier this week that the Trump administration has succeeded in arranging direct talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government.

The two statements created an impression in Washington that the Trump administration was now exploring the possibility of bypassing Pakistan by promoting direct negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

On Thursday, Secretary Pompeo issued a statement, welcoming President Ghani’s offer of a temporary ceasefire to the Taliban to allow the Afghan people to celebrate Eidul Fitr without fear of violence. The offer follows the Afghan Ulema Council’s call for the Taliban to end their campaign of violence against the Afghan people and government.

“This ceasefire further demonstrates the Afghan government’s commitment to explore ways to end the conflict,” Mr Pompeo said, and “underscores its commitment to peace as both a national and religious responsibility.”

Secretary Pompeo announced that in support of the Afghan government’s initiative, “Nato’s Resolute Support Mission and US forces in Afghanistan will respect the ceasefire, as it applies to the Taliban.”

He, however, made it clear that the offer does not apply to the militant Islamic State group and Al Qaeda, nor does it prohibit operations to defend Afghan and Coalition forces from attack.

“The United States and our international partners look to the Taliban to honor the ceasefire and demonstrate their respect for the people of Afghanistan who have long called for a reprieve to the Taliban’s campaign of violence,” Mr Pompeo said.

Meanwhile, co-founder of Microsoft Bill Gates called General Bajwa and acknowledged supporting efforts by Pakistan Army for successfully eradicating polio from Pakistan.

The army chief appreciated efforts of Bill Gates towards this noble cause and assured him continued full cooperation in best interest of Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2018