Chief of the United States Naval
Operations Admiral Michael Mullen said that the United States have no plan
to attack Iran and efforts are being focused on diplomatic channels to
resolve Tehran's nuclear issue. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)
ISLAMABAD,
April 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. 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 U.S.
chief of naval operations told a group of reporters in Islamabad.
"We have had a strong naval presence in this part of
the world since for many 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.
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 U.S. 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.
WASHINGTON,
April 16 (Xinhua) -- The United States is continuing to seek information about
the whereabouts of Robert Levinson, a missing former FBI agent believed to be in
Iran, the State Department said on Monday.
"Over the weekend, we did send another message via
the Swiss to the Iranian government asking for any answer as to what they know
of his whereabouts," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters.
It is the third time since Washington began seeking
information from Iran about Levinson on March 12. Full story
Print
