United Nations: External Affairs Minister S M Krishna stated that it is in the interests of the world, particularly the region, that the US has recognised the close relationship between the dreaded Haqqani network and the Inter-Services Intelligence, the Pakistani spy agency.
Admiral Mike Mullen, the departing head of the US defense forces, testified earlier in the week about the relationship and noted that it was Islamabad’s responsibility to ensure that the link should be broken immediately. The network was blamed for the killing of Burhanuddin Rabbani, the former Afghan president who was keenly involved in the peace process in Kabul. It was also blamed for the US Embassy bombing in the Afghan capital.”We have always been saying it. I’m glad that the US finds that it has also suffered under ISI,” the Minister noted. Mr Krishna told NewsX India and NDTV yesterday on the sidelines of the ongoing 66th annual UN General Assembly session that he would focus on bilateral relations at a potential meeting with his US counterpart Hillary Rodham Clinton in New York tomorrow. Aside from the strengthening ties between the two nations,relations in such fields as education as well as trade and economy would also form part of the parleys.Asked by the broadcast journalists that there were different perceptions between the two sides on issues like Syria and Libya,Mr Krishna shot back, “We don’t have to agree on everything. Our bilateral relationship depends upon an entirely different set of conditions.”On permanent membership of the UN Security Council, Mr Krishna stated, “It is a question that India has been serious about.” In this connection, the Minister pointed out to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s speech earlier in the day. “We understand that it is a long and arduous journey and I am sure that India will ultimately find its rightful place,” he remarked.