ISLAMABAD, July 15: Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy (ARD) chairman Makhdoom Amin Fahim and Pakistan Muslim League-N Senator Ishaq Dar met US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage here on Thursday.

The luncheon meeting between the ARD leaders and the visiting US official took place at the residence of US Ambassador Nancy Powell. Talking to Dawn, Mr Fahim said issues of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting with Mr Armitage.

Asked to identify the issues, Mr Fahim said a general discussion was held on Iraq, Afghanistan and Wana. He said Mr Armitage particularly discussed the ongoing peace process between Pakistan and India.

He said Mr Armitage assured the ARD team that the US would continue to play its role for normalization of relations between the two South Asian neighbours. Responding to a question, Mr Fahim said Mr Armitage had not sought any help or commitment from opposition parties on the ongoing Wana operation. "Just a general discussion on Wana operation took place during the meeting," he said.