DCC proposes resumption of NATO supply-line after more assurances

The Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) has decided to put on hold resumption of NATO supply-line, seeking an unconditional apology from the United States and more assurances from the America that action would be taken against those officials involved in Salala attacks.

The committee, which held its meeting under the chair of Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, reviewed the recommendations prepared by the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) and the upshot of formal and informal interactions between the civil and military bureaucracy with the US administration.

It was the same committee that had decided to block NATO supply-line soon after US forces attacked at Salala check-posts in Mohmand Agency killing 24 soldiers. The top security panel of the country gave its go-ahead for reopening vital supply route for allied forces battling in Afghanistan but with tough conditions.

According to the reports, the DCC gave approval to a roadmap, paving the way for normalisation of bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States.

Apparently, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would possibly be concluded before a NATO summit in Chicago next month. However, no time frame has been given in this regard.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar is expected to travel to America soon to take up all issues, including the NATO supply-line with Washington in light of the new policy guidelines approved by the joint-sitting of the parliament.

An official statement issued by the Prime Minister House after the meeting also hinted at lifting of the almost five-month-old blockade.

It observed quoting Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, “The US-Pakistan bilateral relationship is an important one and we must be mindful of our national interest and uphold our territorial integrity and national sovereignty. Now, we need to move beyond review”.

He promised to implement the new foreign policy framework passed by parliament in light of the proposal prepared by the PCNS.

The meeting decided that a work plan may be developed for effective implementation of the parliamentary guidelines based on Pakistan’s national interests, said another statement issued by the Foreign Office.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=19292

Posted by Faisal Farooq on Apr 18 2012. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.