Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa on Wednesday urged US Secretary of Defence Mr Dr. Mark T. Esper to "avoid rhetoric in favour of diplomatic engagement".
“COAS received telephone call from US Secretary of Defence Mr Dr. Mark T. Esper. Both discussed ongoing security situation in the Middle East.The Secretary expressed that US doesn’t want to seek conflict, but will respond forcefully if necessary,” ISPR DG said in a series of tweets.
“We would like situation to de-escalate & shall support all initiatives which bring peace in the region.We call upon all concerned to avoid rhetoric in favour of diplomatic engagement. We all have worked a lot to bring peace in the region by fighting against terrorism”, he added.
“We will continue to play our constructive part towards success of Afghan reconciliation process so that it doesn’t get derailed and region goes towards conflict resolution instead of new conflicts”, he maintained.
Tensions between Tehran and Washington heighten after top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani was killed last week in a US strike on Baghdad´s international airport.
The Pentagon had said US President Donald Trump ordered Soleimani's "killing," after a pro-Iran mob this week laid siege to the US embassy.