No change in Pak's behavior even after $2bn aid-suspension: US
What's the story
The US has not seen "decisive and sustained" changes in Pakistan's behavior, even after Trump Administration announced a $2bn security-assistance freeze to Islamabad in January. Alice Wells, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, stated: "We are continuing to engage with Pakistan over areas...we think they can play a helpful role in changing the calculus of the Taliban." Here's more.
Quote
Pakistan can help facilitate talks, put pressure on Taliban: Wells
"We (the US) believe that Pakistan can certainly help to facilitate talks and to take actions that will put pressure on and encourage the Taliban to move forward towards a politically negotiated settlement," Alice Wells said at a media briefing in Washington.
Pakistan's Role
Pakistan has an important role in Afghan peace process
Also, on the just concluded Kabul conference in Afghanistan, Alice Wells said that Pakistan has a very important role to play in the Afghan peace process. The top US diplomat added, "Our engagement with Pakistan is on how we can work together, on how we can address Pakistan's legitimate concerns and Afghanistan's stability through a negotiated process as well."
Concerns
Pakistan officials underscore a variety of issues
"Pakistani officials have underscored, they see a variety of issues, whether it's border-management or refugees or terrorism that emanates from ungoverned space in Afghanistan, as important issues, and we would agree that all of these need to be resolved during the course of a reconciliation process," Wells said. Pakistan has concerns over border-management, over the Tehrik-i-Taliban; and its presence in ungoverned space in Afghanistan.
Information
We support Afghan-Pak relationship, it's important: Alice Wells
Noting that the Afghanistan-Pakistan relationship is quite important, Wells said the US is supportive of the efforts to improve the bilateral relationship. The two countries have exchanged visits over the last several months to establish a framework agreement, to enhance the bilateral relationship.
Trump Administration
Military pressure on Taliban is very important
The Trump Administration, Alice Wells said, believes that the intensified efforts under the South Asia strategy to put military pressure on the Taliban are essential. She added these military efforts help shape the conditions for talks and help to underscore that there is no military victory for the Taliban, which ultimately their legitimate grievances will have to be addressed at a negotiating table.