ISAF Commanders welcomes Pakistan’s indication to resume NATO supplies

General John Allen, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Commander in Afghanistan on Wednesday termed Pakistan’s indication on resumption of NATO supplies as encouraging and positive.

He, however, clarified that their mission was not affected by the blockade of land route for NATO forces. Welcoming the signals given by Pakistan’s cabinet on restoration of NATO supplies, he stated it will have positive effects on the bilateral ties of the two countries.

Commander John Allen further stated that improved relations with Pakistan would be significantly vital to peace in Afghanistan.

He note , “It would, in fact, be helpful to us if the ground lines of communication were opened, not just because of what could flow into Afghanistan but what could flow out of Afghanistan”.

Commending the sacrifices Pakistan had rendered in fighting terrorism and the loss of lives that the country suffered collectively in two years, he acclaimed tribute to armed forces. He stated that this loss was far surpassed the loss of lives that the ISAF suffered in one decade.

Expressing hopes for the region’s future, the commander said he believed in having conceivably coordinated operations between ISAF, Afghanistan and Pakistan to ensure a stable peaceful and secure region.

He observed, “My hope is, in the weeks and months ahead, we can leverage all of that opportunity for common ground, both to improve the relationship at a policy level, but certainly to improve the military to military relationship as well”.

His statement came days ahead of the NATO summit in Chicago, which would review military efforts in Afghanistan and take stock of progress towards reconciliation.

Top leadership from Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States will discuss new measures to expedite the reconciliation process in the war-torn country.

Pakistan had blocked the land route for allied forces battling in Afghanistan in retaliation for US airstrikes on two military check posts that killed 24 Pakistani troops in November 2011.

The US has so far refused Pakistani demands that it apologizes for the attack and stop drone strikes in the country.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on May 17 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.