Clinton’s likely April visit hinges on review
Her final plan depends on the outcome of Pakistan’s parliamentary review.
ISLAMABAD:
US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton is expected to travel to Islamabad next month to formalise a new counter-terror agreement between the two countries –but her final plan depends on the outcome of Pakistan’s parliamentary review currently debating fresh terms of engagement with the US.
Diplomatic sources have confirmed that a series of visits by top American civil and military officials are being planned in the next few weeks in light of recommendations currently being debated in Parliament, as part of efforts to salvage the severally damaged diplomatic relations.
“Secretary Clinton’s itinerary for the trip is being worked out,” said a Pakistani official, adding that the US secretary of state was likely to visit in April. But her final plan depends on whether Parliament approves fresh terms of engagements.
Ahead of Clinton’s trip, US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Marc Grossman and top American military commander General James Mattis would also visit Islamabad in the first half of April. Sources say the two officials would work out details of a new accord encompassing resumption of Nato supplies and other key areas with the Pakistani officials.
The US has indicated willingness to renegotiate the Nato supply routes agreement – but, at this stage, is not ready to offer any face-saving to the government on drone strikes.
Diplomatic sources disclosed that the two countries have been working subtly for some time to iron out bilateral differences and that Tuesday’s meeting between President Obama and PM Gilani was a result of this back door diplomacy.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 28th, 2012.
US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton is expected to travel to Islamabad next month to formalise a new counter-terror agreement between the two countries –but her final plan depends on the outcome of Pakistan’s parliamentary review currently debating fresh terms of engagement with the US.
Diplomatic sources have confirmed that a series of visits by top American civil and military officials are being planned in the next few weeks in light of recommendations currently being debated in Parliament, as part of efforts to salvage the severally damaged diplomatic relations.
“Secretary Clinton’s itinerary for the trip is being worked out,” said a Pakistani official, adding that the US secretary of state was likely to visit in April. But her final plan depends on whether Parliament approves fresh terms of engagements.
Ahead of Clinton’s trip, US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Marc Grossman and top American military commander General James Mattis would also visit Islamabad in the first half of April. Sources say the two officials would work out details of a new accord encompassing resumption of Nato supplies and other key areas with the Pakistani officials.
The US has indicated willingness to renegotiate the Nato supply routes agreement – but, at this stage, is not ready to offer any face-saving to the government on drone strikes.
Diplomatic sources disclosed that the two countries have been working subtly for some time to iron out bilateral differences and that Tuesday’s meeting between President Obama and PM Gilani was a result of this back door diplomacy.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 28th, 2012.