No greater role for India in Afghanistan: Pentagon

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No greater role for India in Afghanistan: Pentagon

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Pentagon has contradicted reports about Panetta's stance regarding India's role in Afghanistan.

06 June,2012 04:16 am

Pentagon has contradicted reports that Secretary Defense Leon Panetta has asked India to play a greater role in Afghanistan.The Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt. John Kirby, addressing a media briefing on Tuesday, termed all such reports as exaggerating. These reports have been slightly exaggerated. I dont think the Secretary asked them to do more, rather than to just express how much he appreciated what they were doing to help provide support in Afghanistan and some of the things that they have expressed interest in continuing to do in Afghanistan, and also in the region. So I think it was more a statement of appreciation for everything they have done and hope that they continue to stay involved as a leader in the region, he explained.Speaking generally about the role of India and other regional countries in Afghanistan, he said its a vital part of the world and our engagement in the region is not about bilateral relations only with one particular country. We have long said the security in Afghanistan is tied very closely to our relationship with Pakistan and with other countries in the region including India, which is a global power. They are meeting their responsibilities and we welcome that.He also clarified reports that the US Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta had asked India for a deeper involvement for training of Afghan armed forces. I think he expressed gratitude for what they have done and his hope that they would continue to remain further engaged in Afghanistan, he pointed out. .On the reported death of al-Qaedas number-2, Abu Yahya al-Libbi in a drone strike in Pakistans tribal area of North Waziristan, he refused to discuss the details. We dont discuss specifics of counter-terrorism operations, so I am not going to speak to the specifics of operations or to confirm or deny these press reports, he categorically stated.This is a very dangerous individual and for him to longer walking the earth would be a good thing for everybody. I think the leadership development programme of al-Qaeda has some risks and hazards, which we think are good.Senior leaders of al-Qaeda, no matter where they are, by virtue of what they choose to do for a living, are a threat to the US but the people around the world. The President and Secretary of Defense have made it clear that we are going to deal with these threats, wherever they are.- Contributed by Awais Saleem, Dunya News correspondent in Washington, DC