Sherry Rehman denies any secret deal with the United States

Quashing rumors of a secret deal between Pakistan and the United States over resumption of NATO supply-line, Sherry Rehman termed it an important milestone in bilateral ties of the two allies.

Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States (US) Sherry Rehman said this while speaking to the media a day after Islamabad resumed land route for allied forces battling in Afghanistan.

She praised the US for what she declared strategic patience, adding the decision was a significant milestone in bilateral ties of the Islamabad and Washington.

The Pakistan’s envoy clarified, “No secret deals has been cut and that the government’s move to refer matters of national security to Parliament for the first time in the country’s history was meant to bring it under public scrutiny”.

She further said the words condolence and regret were put forward many times by the American administration. However, the US said sorry for the first time what they had asked for from the very first day, she added.

Replying to a query whether the US apology was conditional and contrary to Pakistan’s earlier demands, the ambassador stated the attack on Salala check-post that killed 24 troops was clearly mentioned as the reason for the hiatus in bilateral ties that makes it meaningful for Islamabad.

The top diplomat in Washington observed, “The past decisions on national security were taken by the executive behind closed doors but we not only gave due deference, but also spent a lot of time trying to develop a consensus with Parliament”.

It is vital to mention here that the opposition parties criticized the government for not taking into account the parliamentary recommendations which include the calling off the drone strikes and cross border attacks.

Commenting on this aspect, Sherry Rehman was of the opinion that such a repercussion was predictable in a large democracy such as theirs.

Pakistan on Tuesday announced resumption of NATO supply-line after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said sorry over the losses Pakistan military suffered in the Salala check-post attack.

Amidst threats of strikes and demonstrations from opposition, the government announced resumption of supply-line into Afghanistan from Pakistan.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on Jul 5 2012. Filed under 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.