ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Thursday signalled its willingness to explore alternatives to American drone strikes inside the country’s tribal belt.
The statement, given by foreign office (FO) spokesperson Moazzam Ali Khan at his weekly news briefing, appears to be aimed at breaking a deadlock between Pakistan and the US on the controversial campaign.
The new foreign policy recommendations approved recently by parliament have called for an immediate end to the drone strikes. But the demand has been rejected by the US, which considers the CIA-run campaign its premier asset in eliminating what it terms “remnants of top al Qaeda leadership” in Pakistan. American officials have also maintained this week that the drone attacks are legal and justified.
Khan contested American claims saying “drone attacks are illegal, counter-productive, a violation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity and therefore totally unacceptable.” He added, however, that the two sides were discussing the issue at various levels in order to come up with a mutually acceptable solution.
“We are willing to explore other possibilities... (there will be) no compromise on drone attacks,” was his response when questioned about the possibility of intelligence sharing between Pakistan and the US on the drone strikes.
However, it is unclear what alternatives Pakistan can offer the US in return for an end to the drone campaign.
In the past, Islamabad has suggested using its air force to take out al Qaeda associated high value targets in the tribal region. But the US reportedly showed little interest in the proposal fearing intelligence leaks allowing targets to escape.
No decision yet on NATO summit
The FO spokesman said Pakistan has not yet decided whether to attend the gathering of 50 heads of states from Nato countries in Chicago later this month.
He confirmed the issue did come up in discussions during the civil-military huddle on Wednesday.
Khan said the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) had started preparing a work plan for effectively implementing the recommendations approved by parliament.
“We have not finalised the next steps yet,” he pointed out, acknowledging the lack of a clear roadmap for resuming cooperation with the US.
Sources say Islamabad’s participation in the high-profile gathering on the Afghan endgame in Chicago hinges on progress to break the months-old deadlock between Pakistan and the US.
Talks between the two countries to revive cooperation have hit a roadblock over the American reluctance to offer a public apology for last year’s Nato air strikes on Pakistani soldiers and Islamabad’s strong opposition to drone attacks.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 4th, 2012.
COMMENTS (10)
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United States looks not in mood to say''I am sorry'' Pakistan is still not in position to opening the supply routs.
The situation is opened to all,it mean setting between two the countries will take more time.that is not favorable.
During the interim period,further directions may be created suitable not suitable,American seek grounds routs at any cost,embattled Pakistani prime minister can not use his discretionary power under the constitution.
recent drone attacks has produced more complication for prime minister and the president of Pakistan.
In case,American adopted any option and forcibly employed ,it would create dangerous condition.
@V Sharma Mr sharma Let me tell you one thing very clearly if Pakistan did not come to this this meeting will be a failed as like in Bonn Conference
Now Pakistani leaders must have to block all type of NATO's supply to Afghanistan from Pakistan by any means and manifestations if they consider that they are sincere and honest with Pakistan,its nation and its sovereignty and if they consider that Pakistan's and its nation's sovereignty is the top most priority for them.
The USA long ago made it clear to Pakistan that it will judge you by your actions not by what you say. If you want to take out the terrorist yourselves then nothing is holding you back - I am sure the USA would be happy not having to waste resources tracking down terrorist within Pakistan.
"The FO spokesman said Pakistan has not yet decided whether to attend the gathering of 50 heads of states from Nato countries in Chicago". FO spokesman is putting a unbelievable face saving spin. Pakistan is not even invited for this meeting, so there is no question of Pakistan deciding anything.
Why did the terrorists rise in first place? Answer this and eliminate the source. Drones, B 52s or for that matter frying them with nukes is not gonna help.
The alternative can be allow B52.
Drones have established their effectiveness as a successful tool against terrorists for both countries but the difference of opinion is on the way how to use this weapon. They are same effective against TTP who is the most powerful security threat to Pakistan even more then India. If both countries try to understand each others view this lethal weapon can be use in benefits of both countries
The alternative is to mount an operation in NWA, allow safe passage to militants, issue a statement after one month that operation was a great success and all militants were eliminated.
Alternative is to send a police battalion armed with lathis to N.Waziristan by trucks after due advertisement and publicity and providing enough time for everyone to scoot.....
Other alternative is to strile a 'deal' with the trouble-makers....