McCain says US would continue to use drones against insurgents in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD - Senator John McCain has reiterated that the US will continue to use drones strikes inside Pakistan to defeat “a very determined and terrible enemy,” which Islamabad needs to recognize as “actual threats” to the government and people of Pakistan.

“It is one of many tools we must use to try to defeat a very determined and terrible enemy,” the Daily Times quoted McCain, as saying.

McCain said Pakistan and the US had differences over the issue, but as “good friends” did, they were holding high-level discussions to sort out differences.

Pointing out that there is a need to “read actual threats” to the government and the people of Pakistan, Afghanistan and the US, McCain said it is necessary to go after terrorists wherever they are.

McCain said a US troop surge in Afghanistan would facilitate closer cooperation with the Pakistani military.

He added that any ground raids by US troops inside Pakistan should be conducted in coordination with the Pakistan Army.

Replying to a question, he said “harassment” of American diplomats was a source of friction that needed to be addressed.

“We think it’s important that we have a properly staffed embassy … to make sure that American taxpayers’ money is appropriately used,” he said.

Furthermore, he said the US could not succeed in Afghanistan without victory in Pakistan.

“That is a fundamental of our effort in the struggle that must continue, and probably will continue, for some time to come,” he said. (ANI)