U.S New defence secretary(Mattis's replacement)... Same old Same old...
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"We have seen Pakistan take some constructive steps on Afghan reconciliation. Pakistan has also taken initial, promising steps against anti-Indian groups, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which threaten regional stability," Esper told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.
"It is difficult to assess whether the security assistance suspension itself has driven these constructive actions, or whether progress on Afghan reconciliation and the escalation following the Pulwama terrorist attack have also influenced Pakistan's calculations," Esper noted in a written response to questions submitted ahead of his confirmation hearing.
Esper said he would advocate for the Department of Defense to maintain the right set of tools and authorities to maintain decision space and flexibility in America's policy approach, in order to maintain a "bridge back" for Pakistan.
"If confirmed, I would aim to make use of all of the tools at our disposal to promote a change in Pakistan's strategic approach to the region," he said.
"However, the 2018 suspension of security assistance remains in place," he said. "My objective would be to maintain decision space and preserve the defence relationship, including select military-to-military exchanges, between the United States and Pakistan, even as we urge Pakistan to take action on US requests."
https://www.news18.com/news/world/u...oups-pledges-to-promote-approach-2234027.html