Obama administration warns Congress over Pakistan curbs: Report
Saturday, December 1st, 2012 10:55:29 by Web Desk
The White House has warned Congress that its curbs on Pakistan could jeopardize the US-led campaign against militancy in the region, Dawn reported.
Executive Office of the US President issued a policy statement, warning the lawmakers that placing such limitations on reimbursement to the government of Pakistan was having a negative impact on bilateral ties.
It stated, “The administration strongly objects to the certification requirements in section 1216. Some of these certification requirements require the Secretary of Defence to certify Pakistani cooperation on issues outside of his purview.”
The statement adds, “The requirements are proposed at a particularly sensitive time and would severely constrict DOD’s ability to respond to emergent war-time coalition support requirements, putting at risk the success of our campaign in Afghanistan.”
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Sherry Rehman, while pointing out a notable positive change in Washington’s attitude towards Islamabad said, “It has been a long, tough haul, yet a concerted team effort on both sides has paid an increment of important dividends.
She further said, “We have moved from a period of constant crisis management to regular cooperation, but multiple transitions in the region and in both countries make caution the best guide in seeking better future in roadmaps for progress.”
Section 1216 of the recently passed National Defence Authorisation Act for US fiscal year 2013 prohibits reimbursement to Pakistan for support during periods when NATO supply lines to Afghanistan remained closed. The restrictions become effective from the day this act is enacted.
Tags: Afghanistan, Ambassador to the US Sherry Rehman, Barack Obama, DOD, Islamabad, National Defence Authorization Act, NATO, Pakistan, President Barack Obama, Secretary of Defence, United States, White House.Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=35599
Posted by 
