July 02, 2008	Wednesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 27, 1429

WASHINGTON, July 1: US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has regretted the incident of June 10 in which a missile was fired on a Pakistani military post in Mohmand Agency.

At least 11 soldiers had died in the attack.

Mr Gates conveyed his regrets at a meeting with Pakistan’s ambassador Husain Haqqani at the Pentagon on Tuesday. Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, also attended the meeting.

“Mr Gates regretted the border incident of June 10 in which precious lives were lost and he appreciated cooperation and sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the war against terrorism,” said a Pakistan Embassy official.

Ambassador Haqqani assured Mr Gates and Admiral Mullen that Pakistan would continue to remain an effective US partner in the war against terror, the official said.

At least 11 Pakistani soldiers and several civilians were killed in the June 10 attack. Later, the US Central Command ordered an inquiry into the incident and invited Pakistan to join the investigation.

“Pakistan is a vital partner and ally in the region. We are deeply saddened by the reported loss of Pakistani lives and will investigate this incident thoroughly and completely,” said Lt-Gen Martin E. Dempsey, acting commander of the US Central Command.

The investigation still continues.