Desire for peace is our greatest strength: Army Chief Kayani

COLOMBO: Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said Saturday that Pakistan and Sri Lanka were peace loving nations who desire regional stability based on a balance of power that promotes respect for each others sovereignty.

"Desire for peace is our greatest strength, which places us at a high moral ground and affords us the poise and confidence to exercise restraint, even once incited or provoked."

Addressing the passing out parade of the Sri Lankan Military Academy, Kayani praised the Sri Lankan army for defeating militancy in the most difficult of times. “Sri Lankan Army has proved its mettle under the most trying circumstances and has emerged victorious not only in the context of purging the menace of militancy and violence but also in pursuit of post conflict peace and stability.”

The Army chief added that Pakistan will continue to stand by the Sri Lankan people and army.