On the same page?: US wants relations with Pakistan on 'mutual respect'

WASHINGTON: With troubled bilateral ties between US and Pakistan being reviewed by the latter’s parliament, the US, in what seems to be a page from Pakistan’s play book, has said that it wanted relations with Pakistan on the basis of “mutual respect and common interests.”

Addressing the daily press briefing at the State Department, Victoria Nuland said that they had seen the recommendations, and that their understanding was the parliament would debate further on them on March 26. The spokesperson said that they would comment after the process was over.

Pakistan, in draft proposals, wants the US to offer a formal apology over the NATO November 26, 2011, attacks, to stop drone attacks, respect borders and greater transparency of agents and contractors working in Pakistan among others. Theses draft proposals would have to be passed by the Parliament before they come into effect.