US to Incentivise Pakistan’s co-operation, says Mattis
WASHINGTON: US defence secretary-designate James Mattis has
said that the Trump administration would offer incentives to Pakistan to
co-operate with the U.S. on critical issues.
At
his confirmation hearing at the Senate Armed Forces Committee on
Thursday afternoon, Mr Mattis underlined the need to stay engaged with
Pakistan while asking it to do more to eradicate terrorism from the
region.
“If confirmed, I will work with the State Department and
the Congress to incentivise Pakistan’s cooperation on issues critical
to our national interests and the region’s security, with focus on
Pakistan’s need to expel or neutralise externally-focused militant
groups that operate within its borders,” Mr Mattis told the committee
while responding to a question.
Mr Mattis, a general who
retired from the US Marine Corps in 2013, has long experience of dealing
with both Afghanistan and Pakistan, first as a combat officer and then
as commander of the US Central Command.
The
general’s comments on Pakistan indicate that the incoming Trump
administration will continue with the existing US policy towards the
country.
Mr Mattis complimented Pakistan for its action
against terror groups in the country, but said that he would push for
more effective targeting of groups that were aimed at neighbouring
countries.
As often expressed by the Obama
administration officials, the incoming defence secretary also complained
that some Afghan Taliban groups were still allegedly using Pakistan’s
tribal areas for stirring troubles in Afghanistan.
“Sanctuaries
and freedom of movement for the Afghan Taliban and associated militant
networks inside Pakistani territory is a key operational issue faced by
the Afghan security forces,” he pointed out.
He noted that the US and Pakistani militaries had a long relationship, which needed to be rebuilt.
“Our
relationship with Pakistan, including our military-to-military
relationship, has had highs and lows. We have long faced a lack of trust
within the Pakistani military and government about our goals in the
region. If confirmed, I will work to build the trust that we need for an
effective partnership,” he told the Senate Committee. The United States
has conducted military exercises with Pakistan in an effort to increase
thrust and interoperability, he added.
Mr Mattis said
that Pakistan had “learned some hard lessons” from its dealings with the
Taliban, as this caused widespread violence inside the country as well.
“I believe they should do more to collaborate with their neighbour. We
should urge Pakistan to take further actions against the Taliban and the
Haqqani network,” he added.
Arguing that countries in
the region “have the responsibility to support the reconciliation
process” in Afghanistan, Mr Mattis said that the neighbouring states
“should increase pressure on the Afghan Taliban and associated militant
networks” to stop their campaigns of violence.
He praised
Pakistan’s efforts to battle “internally-focused” militants. “In a sign
of its commitment, its military has suffered significant casualties in
this counterinsurgency effort,” he said, and offered to help Pakistan in
defeating these militants.
Mr Mattis said he would not
use phrases such as “rebalance” or “pivot” while talking about its
relations with China as these implied that it was turning away from its
commitments elsewhere.
“But China’s behaviour has led
countries in the region to look for stronger US leadership. “If
confirmed, I will examine ways to strengthen our allies and partners,
while taking a careful look at our own military capabilities in the
region,” he said.
Mr Mattis pledged to continue with the
Obama administration’s policy of enhancing a long-term strategic
relationship with India, based on the convergence of mutual interests
and shared democratic values.
By, Dawn Pakista
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