25.1.16

Obama gets tough with Pakistan

Calling the Pathankot terror strike “another example of the inexcusable terrorism that India has endured for too long“, US President Barack Obama on Sunday demanded that Pakistan “delegitimise, disrupt and dismantle“ terrorist networks that operate from its territory.
In a tough message, Obama said Pakistan “can and must“ take more effective action against terrorist groups. “Pakistan has an opportunity to show it is serious about delegitimising, disrupting and dismantling terror networks,“ he said.
Referring to the Pathankot attack in which Jaish-e-Muhammed terrorists stormed an air force station, the US President said, “We join India in condemning the attack, saluting the Indians who fought to prevent more loss of life and extending our condolences to the victims and their families.Tragedies like this also underscore why the US and India continue to be such close partners in fighting terrorism.“
Obama added, “In the region and around the world, there must be zero tolerance for safe havens and terrorists must be brought to justice.“
Alongside, Obama gave credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reaching out to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif after the Pathankot attack. “Both leaders are advancing a dialogue on how to confront violent extremism and terrorism across the region.“
Voicing his belief that the Indo-US relationship can be one of the defining partnerships of the century, Obama said Modi shared his enthusiasm for a strong partnership and “we have developed a friendship and close working relationship, including our conversations on the new secure lines between our offices“.
Asked if the relationship has achieved its full potential, the President replied, “Absolutely not“.

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