Islamabad: US Vice President Joe Biden telephoned Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to take him into confidence over the change of command of America-led NATO forces in Afghanistan following the sacking of Gen Stanley McChrystal.
Biden, who telephoned Gilani late last night, informed the Premier that the US administration had appointed Gen David Petraeus in place of McChrystal. Petraeus was commanding the US Central Command before his recent appointment.
The vice president also assured Gilani that the change of command in Afghanistan "would in no way alter the US policy in its fight against terrorism", an official statement said.
The US policy for the region will remain consistent, Biden said. He sought Gilani`s views on the development. Gilani appreciated Biden`s gesture of calling him to take him into confidence over the change of command of US forces in Afghanistan and said he would give his views "after consultation with the relevant quarters".
President Barack Obama yesterday accepted McChrystal`s resignation in the wake of controversial statements made by the general about the US political leadership during a magazine interview.
PTI
