Visiting US Naval Chief Admiral Michael G. Mullen yesterday 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 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 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.