Visiting US Naval Chief Admiral Michael G. Mullen Monday
rejected any plan to attack Iran and said that efforts should be
made through diplomatic channels.
"There is no plan for an attack on Iran," the US chief of naval
operations told a group of reporters in Pakistani capital
Islamabad.
"We have had a strong naval presence in this part of the world
since for many decades and we have recently added some ships that
is meant than anything else to provide reassurance to our friends
to show continued commitment to the area," Mullen said.
"This is a vital region over in particular this part of the
world over half of world's population is here and the goal is to
really continue to provide the strength and stability that we need
to ensure that it remains quite and peaceful," he said.
"There is absolutely no, I am aware of no plans that involve any
kind of attack on Iran and that all the efforts that need to all
efforts with respect to Iran, I believe need to be handle through
the diplomatic channels," Mullen insisted.
About the recent naval exercises at the North Arabian sea
jointly participated by 43 countries, Mullen said that it
particularly focused on dealing with challenges of terrorism,
besides strengthening relationship between the navies of different
countries.
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He termed it as a part of global maritime partnership, which also
played its positive role during tsunami relief in Indonesia.
He declined to call these exercises as al Qaeda-specific
preparations and said that its overall aim was at targeting global
terrorism, which was the biggest challenge of the time.
On Pakistan's desire to obtain US warships, Mullen said that he
had taken the request seriously. However, with no frigates
available at present, the provision of other equipment including
maritime patrolling aircraft would also be considered, he said.
He mentioned computer-based training for the Pakistani navy as
another effort by the United States for strengthening ties between
two countries.
Mullen also spoke high of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's
commitment in the war on terror, and said that he had been a
terrific and courageous leader in challenging times.
"I have no doubt on President Musharraf's commitment in the war
against terrorism ... He knows what is best for his country," he
added.
He termed partnership with the Pakistan navy "vital" for
continuing the long-term war against terrorism, besides maintaining
stability in the region.
"The United States is very committed for the two navies to work
together against the war on terrorism and also for dealing with
other challenges in the region," Mullen said.
(Xinhua News Agency April 17, 2007)
