Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has categorically dispelled the speculative reporting in US media‚ regarding understanding given to ISAF Commander General John Allen about Pakistan Army's readiness to launch joint operations in North Waziristan Agency. He made Pakistan's position in this regard clear when‚ Commander US CENTCOM General James N. Mattis called on him last night. Both sides discussed matters of mutual interest‚ at length. The COAS clarified Pakistan's position by referring to Secretary Clinton's statement of 3rd of last month‚ in which she talked of "coordinated actions against terrorists who threaten Pakistan and the region. He said it is important to distinguish between 'coordinated action' and 'joint operation'. 'Coordinated action' implies that Pakistan Army and ISAF conduct operation on respective sides of Pak - Afghan border. For such actions‚ intelligence sharing is the mainstay of mutual cooperation. Contrarily‚ a 'joint operation' implies that the two forces are physically employed jointly on either side of the border. A' joint operation' in this sense is unacceptable to the people and Armed Forces of Pakistan‚ hence‚ has always been our clearly stated red line. The Army Chief clearly reiterated Pakistan's oft repeated perspective that we might‚ if necessary‚ undertake operations in North Waziristan Agency‚ in the timeframe of our choosing and determined only by our political and military requirements. It will never be a result of any outside pressure. Pakistan's national interest continues to be the prime consideration for any decision in this regard. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the level of cooperation between the two militaries and resolved to continue it to further improve relations between the two countries. Meanwhile‚ according to a press release issued by the US Embassy‚ the two sides agreed to continue to meet periodically on cross border cooperation and regional security. General Mattis acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Pakistani military in their fight against violent extremists and offered his condolences for the nearly five thousand Pakistani military personnel who have fallen in support of the cause. General Mattis reaffirmed the importance of the U.S-Pakistani security relationship not only to ongoing operations in Afghanistan but also to regional stability.