"Political reconciliatory effort was required to go along with the military prong to win the hearts and minds of the people," Kayani said.

Regretting the killing of civilians in the cross-border raids by coalition forces, he said: "Such reckless actions only help the militants and further fuel the militancy in the area." Kayani "reiterated the need for a collaborative approach for better understanding of a highly complex issue". He said "trust-deficit and misunderstandings can lead to more complications and increase the difficulties for all".

The Pakistan Army has conducted successful operations against militants in the past and "is committed to eliminate them" from the Federally Administered Tribal Area and Swat valley in North West Frontier Province, he said.

"Our security forces have given huge sacrifices in this war and it is the presence of the army which has denied the freedom of movement and operation to al-Qaeda and (their) affiliates," he said, adding the support of the people of Pakistan would be decisive.

Pakistan's national interest would always guide the country's policy, Kayani said.

He said he had informed US officials about the "complexity of the issue that requires understanding in depth and more patience for evolving comprehensive solution".

During his discussions with them, the "imperative of public support at large for the military operations also came under focus", he said.

The US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, acknowledged the "better understanding of ground realities" by Kayani and remarked, "he is committed to doing what is best for Pakistan and he is going to stay the same", the statement said.

... contd.