US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis, in a strong message to Pakistan, declared that it is time for everyone to support the efforts of the UN, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan in the matter of peace and stability.
“We’re looking for every responsible nation to support peace in the sub-continent and across this war in Afghanistan that’s gone on now for 40 years,” he told reporters at the Pentagon on Monday as he welcomed India’s Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for talks.
He also said “It’s time for everyone to get on board, support the United Nations; support Prime Minister Modi’s, (Afghan) President (Ashraf) Ghani and all those who are trying to maintain peace and make for a better world here”.
“We are on that track. It is diplomatically led as it should be, and we’ll do our best to protect the Afghan people,” he added in reference to peace negotiations for Afghanistan.
Mattis was responding to a question from reporters about the letter written by US President Donald Trump to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, seeking his support in the peace process in Afghanistan. In his letter Donald Trump has made it clear that Pakistan’s full support in this regard “is fundamental” to building an enduring US-Pakistan partnership.
