The United States on Friday described extension in tenure of Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani as a decision taken by the Pakistani democratic government. "It was a matter for and a decision by the civilian government of Pakistan," State Department Spokesman P J Crowley said in his brief comments at the daily briefing.
He was answering a question regarding three year extension in service of General Kayani as announced by Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani. Meanwhile, the US newspapers and TV channels, echoing Prime Minister Gilani's appreciation for General Kayani's role in the important anti-militant operations, noted the military leader's contribution to anti-terror efforts.