US policy more focussed on Pak, as it is a newer problem: General Jones

Washington, Mar 29 (ANI): US National Security Adviser General James Jones has said the new US policy is focused more intensively on Pakistan than in the past, because it's a newer problem and the American strategy to stop al Qaeda operators in their tracks in the Pak-Afghan region.

General Jones called the regional approach the cornerstone of a revamped strategy, and said for the first time, "we will treat Afghanistan and Pakistan as two countries, but as with one challenge in one region."

"Our strategy focuses more intensively on Pakistan than in the past, and this is normal, because it's a newer problem...and this calls for more significant increases in the US and international support, both economic and military, linked to performance against terror," the NSA said," he added.

General Jones said The US relation with Pakistan were "in a restart mode; that is to say that we are having very intensive dialogues. We're building trust and confidence between the armed forces."

"Our strategy now starts with a clear and concise and, we think, attainable goal which is to disrupt, dismantle, and prevent Al Qaeda from being able to operate in its safe havens, not only Al Qaeda, but all forms of terrorism that seek to destabilise our countries," he said.

General Jones said Washington would pursue intensive regional diplomacy involving all key players in South Asia and would engage countries in a new trilateral framework, the Dawn reported.

"Together in this format, we will work to enhance intelligence sharing, military cooperation along the border, and address common issues such as trade, energy and economic development." (ANI)