US Commander meets Pakistani army chief

Islamabad, Sep 17 (UNI) Top US military officer Admiral Mike Mullen, who dashed to Islamabad last evening on an unannounced visit, held an ''extraordinary'' meeting with Pakistan Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani General Kayani lodged a protest with the top US military commander over the recent violations of Pakistan's territorial boundary by the Afghanistan-based foreign troops, during the meeting held in the garrison town of Rawalpindi today, local daily The News said.

Pakistan's top civil and military leadership has been strongly criticising the US for recently carrying out a series of missile strikes and a cross-border raid in Pakistani tribal regions.

''Both military chiefs discussed the issues related to the war on terror and Pak-Afghan borders. Recent statements issued by the two sides regarding US attacks inside Pakistan's territory also came under discussion,'' the paper added.

General Kayani said there is no agreement or understanding between two countries which allows US to carry out attacks inside Pakistani boundary.

He made it clear that it was the sole authority of Pakistan army to launch attack inside its territorial boundaries. General Kayani further said such violations would affect the ongoing cooperation between the US and Pakistan.

Admiral Mullen will also hold meetings with chairman Joint Chief Staff Committee Tariq Majeed and other officials.

The Admiral has visited Pakistan several times but this is his first visit after Asif Ali Zardari assumed the office of president.

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