Ties with NATO, US at critical stage; says Prime Minister Gilani

Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said the incumbent will make all crucial decisions, including restoration of land route for NATO forces, keeping Pakistan’s national interests into account.

While addressing the federal cabinet, PM Gilani said that the government had not made compromised on its principle stances and will not do so in the future.

The government does not want to take an emotional stance which will not be helpful for the country, he added.

The premier reiterated his stance on the right to appeal against the Supreme Court’s ruling in the contempt of court case, saying that he is not scared of any threats and he will continue to safeguard the Constitution of Pakistan.

He argued that the country’s ties with 48 countries serving in the NATO cannot be put on risk just because of the United States (US).

The Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) held a meeting on Tuesday, giving a final approval to lift the almost six-month old obstruction on NATO supply-line.

The land route for allied forces was closed in November last year in reprisal to a NATO strike on Salala check-posts that killed 24 Pakistani troops. Furthermore, the attack strained Pakistan-US relations to the breaking point.

Taking the cabinet into confidence about his recent visit to the United Kingdom, Gilani said he was warmly welcomed by the British rulers.

He observed, “Apart from the enhanced strategic dialogue review, all major ministers called on me for detailed discussions on various strands of cooperation between Pakistan and the UK”.

The warm welcome by David Cameron and his cabinet reflects the importance and confidence the UK government attaches to its relations with a democratically elected Pakistani government.

“British Prime Minister David Cameron acclaimed the fact that the current government of Pakistan was working to strengthen democracy in the country”, he added.

The premier noted that Cameron’s categorical statement that Pakistan’s friend was UK’s friend and Pakistan’s enemy was UK’s enemy was a strong recurrence of Pakistan’s standing and importance in the committee of nations.

He underlined that the Britain has vowed to build a deeper, stronger relationship with Pakistan and that that it wants to strengthen relations in the fields of trade, defence, health and education.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on May 16 2012. Filed under Latest News, Pakistan, Politics. 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.