All set to resume NATO supply-line: Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar

Pakistan indicated that it might review a decision that has put its ties with not only United States (US) but another 42 countries in a spin, realizing that it cannot keep the NATO supplies blocked for long.

A lot of development was observed on Monday in Islamabad including a high-level civil-military meeting at the Presidency showing the government’s readiness to restore cooperation with the allied forces battling in Afghanistan.

Earlier on Sunday, top military brass from Pakistan, Afghanistan and NATO held a sitting in Rawalpindi, and discussed the deadliest US attack at Salala check-post and resumption of supply-line.

Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar back to back issued statements, making it clear that Pakistani is set to drop its demand on a formal US apology over the killing of 24 troops.

PM Gilani observed, “It’s not a matter of one, but 43 countries”. He said Islamabad would risk its ties with not just the US but all countries of the North-Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), giving an indication that by its refusal to lift the blockade.

He added, “Pakistan and the US are engaged in a dialogue for the resumption of NATO supplies in light of parliament’s recommendations”.

Later, the Foreign Minister while addressing a press conference said that Pakistan wanted to move ahead to the Salala incident as it had made its point by keeping the NATO supply-line shut for almost six months.

She gave the statement after attending a high-powered meeting jointly chaired by President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani while it was also attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and key members of the federal cabinet.

Khar was of the opinion that negotiations between Pakistan and the US were heading in the right direction.

In reply to a query she commented, “We want to continue to be a facilitator, enabler and not a blocker. It was important to make a point, and Pakistan has made a point and now we need to move on and go into a positive zone”.

Confirmed that the issue of unconditional apology for the NATO incursion was currently being discussed, she said that they had have raised this issue with the US at all levels.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=22327

Posted by Faisal Farooq on May 15 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.