Clinton's visit removes misconceptions: Pakistan

 Pakistan said on Saturday that the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had removed misconceptions and misunderstandings between the two countries to a great extent.

Hillary Clinton and Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen visited Pakistan on Friday to mend ties with its anti-terror ally which was angered at the unilateral U.S. raid to kill the al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden in Pakistan on May 2.

American media reported that Hillary Clinton asked Pakistan to take decisive steps against al-Qaida and Taliban and handed over a list of five most wanted militant leaders during four-hour meeting with Pakistan's top political and military leaders.

Pakistani Foreign Office spokeswoman Tehmina Janjua said that during discussions the leadership of the two countries indicated their concerns and they now understand each other's perspective in a better manner.

Speaking at a weekly news briefing, she said Pakistan and the United States have agreed to continue to fight terrorism, conduct joint operations, share information, ensure return of peace and stability to Afghanistan and facilitate the Afghan-led process of peace and reconciliation.

Regarding presence of so-called safe havens of terrorists in Pakistan, she said Pakistan is suffering from terrorism on daily basis. "It is, therefore, committed to eliminate terrorism and extremism from its soil," she said.

The spokeswoman said Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States have formed a core group to promote the process of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Two meetings of the group have already taken place and the third one would be held by the end of next month in Kabul.

She said there is recognition of the United States that Pakistan has a very important facilitating role to play in any process of reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan. Pakistan fully stands by Afghan people in this endeavor.

She said it became evident that the United States wishes to work together with Pakistan, adding that the United States underscored the concept of partnership and equality.

The two sides also agreed to intensify bilateral engagement and recommence preparatory work for strategic dialogue.

She said the two countries agreed that there will be greater transparency and information sharing in the context of joint operations.

She said the Pakistani leadership conveyed concerns of people of Pakistan about drone attacks and violation of sovereignty.

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