John Kerry calls on Nawaz Sharif to stop providing exile to terrorists

NEW YORK (Diya TV) — U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, during a meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday, pleaded with the nation to stop operating as a safe haven for terrorists while expressing strong concern over the attack on the Indian army base in Uri a day earlier.

During the meeting between the two, Kerry “reiterated the need for Pakistan to prevent all terrorists from using Pakistani territory as safe havens,” State Department spokesperson John Kirby said in a statement.

He added that “the Prime Minister and Secretary Kerry expressed strong concern with recent violence in Kashmir – particularly the army base attack – and the need for all sides to reduce tensions.”

Kerry also “stressed the need for restraint in nuclear weapons programs,” Kirby said.

Talks were centric to the “strong, long-term bilateral partnership” and how “to build upon the US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue,” Kirby said. Afghanistan also figured in their talks.

Kerry commented on the terrorism issue in the country while at the same time “commending recent efforts by Pakistani security forces to counter extremist violence,” Kirby said. Pakistani media reported that during the meeting Sharif had asked for U.S. help to resolve India-Pakistan issues.

“I expect the U.S. administration and Secretary Kerry to use his good offices to help resolve issues between Pakistan and India,” Sharif said during the meeting, according to reports. “I still remember President Bill Clinton’s promise that the U.S. will play its role to help out in resolving bilateral disputes and issues between Pakistan and India,” he added.