General Kayani apprises Mike Mullen of territorial violations

Mike Mullen, held talks with Pakistani leaders on Wednesday aiming to patch up ties strained by a flurry of U.S. strikes against militants in Pakistan. Mullen said this month he was not convinced Western forces were winning in Afghanistan and he was "looking at a new, more comprehensive strategy" that would cover both sides of the border, including Pakistan's tribal areas. U.S. officials say Taliban and al Qaeda-linked fighters use ethnic Pashtun tribal regions on the Pakistani side of the border as a springboard for attacks into Afghanistan. A U.S. embassy spokesman said Mullen wanted to improve coordination and cooperation with the Pakistani military. "Admiral Mullen has worked to forge a closer relationship and he wants to continue the relationship building," said the spokesman, Lou Fintor. Pakistan's army commander, General Ashfaq Kayani, said last week Pakistan's territory would be defended at all cost and a military spokesman said on Tuesday aggression across the border would be confronted. Asked about Pakistani anger over cross-border U.S. strikes, Fintor said Mullen "recognized the concerns expressed by General Kayani and desires to continue the dialogue". "The United States is committed to working with Pakistan to eliminate the safe havens," he said. Mullen met Kayani and was due to see Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and other officials.