U.S. takes Pakistan into confidence on McChrystal's remove

U.S. Army General David Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, smiles while speaking at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual meeting in Washington October 6, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)

The United States Vice President Joe Biden phoned Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday morning to take him into confidence over the change of Command of American Forces in Afghanistan, local media reported.

U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday fired his top Afghanistan commander over inflammatory comments that angered the White House and threatened to undermine the war effort.

The U.S. Vice President apprised Gilani that the U.S. government has appointed General David Patraeus in place of General Stanely McChrystal, the private TV GEO news quoted an official statement as saying.

General David Petraeus was commanding U.S.-CENTCOM Forces before his recent appointment.

Joe Biden assured Gilani that change of command in Afghanistan would in no way alter the U.S. Policy in its fight against terrorism, the statement said.

He said that the U.S. Policy would remain consistent for the region. He further sought the views of the prime minister on this development.

Gilani while appreciating the gesture said that he would be able to give his views and comments after consultation with the relevant quarters on Thursday, the statement said.

Source: Xinhua