Pakistan warns U.S. drone strikes affect bilateral relations

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Pakistan warns U.S. drone strikes affect bilateral relations

(Xinhua) 08:31, September 30, 2013

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ISLAMABAD, Sept. 29 -- Pakistan on Sunday condemned American drone strike in the country's tribal region and said these attacks badly affect bilateral relations.

Security sources said earlier that a U.S. spy aircraft on Sunday morning fired missiles into North Waziristan tribal region and killed at least four people.

The unmanned drone fired two missiles on a house near Miranshah, headquarters of North Waziristan, tribesmen said.

"The Government of Pakistan strongly condemns the U.S. drone strike that took place near Miranshah, North Waziristan today. These unilateral strikes are a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Foreign Ministry said.

A Foreign Ministry statement said Pakistan has repeatedly emphasized the importance of bringing an immediate end to drone strikes.

"The Government of Pakistan has consistently maintained that drone strikes are counter-productive, entail loss of innocent civilian lives and have human rights and humanitarian implications. "

Such strikes also set dangerous precedents in the inter-state relations, the statement said.

"These drone strikes have a negative impact on the mutual desire of both countries to forge a cordial and cooperative relationship and to ensure peace and stability in the region."

The Sunday's strike was second in the same region in less than 10 days.

Six people were killed in a U.S. drone strike on Sept. 22. Earlier, at least four people were killed when a U.S. drone targeted a house with missiles in North Waziristan on Aug. 31.

The Sunday's strike was the 21st so far this year, with the total death toll reaching at least 117.

The latest strike was carried out just days after Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the American drone strikes in his speech at the UN General Assembly.

Pakistan insists that the drone attacks are counterproductive and complicate the war against violent extremism.

Washington has rejected Islamabad's calls for a halt to CIA- controlled drone campaign and Americans believe the attacks are essential to eliminate militants blamed for cross-border attacks on Afghanistan.