Pakistan's invitation to Chicago Summit, hinged on NATO supply routes
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Rasmussen said that "if we are to ensure long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan, then we need positive engagement with Pakistan. Actually, we have done a lot to develop a strong relationship, a strong partnership and strong co-operation with Pakistan.”
He further added that “we have invited a number of countries from the region - neighbours of Afghanistan - Central Asian countries, Russia, because they provide an important transit arrangement to the benefit of our operation. But as you also know, our transit routes through Pakistan are currently blocked. So we have to continue our dialogue with Pakistan, with a view to finding a solution to that because that's really a matter of concern."
Rasmussen also said that India and China will not be attending the summit.
Meanwhile, top military commanders from Pakistan, Afghanistan and the US are set to meet this week. The meeting for the tripartite commission will be the first since Nato airstrikes on a Pakistani security forces check post near the Afghan border.
The crucial three-way talks in Rawalpindi will be attended by Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Afghan military chief General Sher Muhammad Karimi and Nato/Isaf commander General John Allen.
Talks will focus on enhancing the efficiency of border coordination measures along the Pak-Afghan border and multilateral mechanisms at operational and tactical levels.
COMMENTS (97)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1731975305-0/Untitled-design-(40)1731975305-0-165x106.webp "article")
1731975060-0/Untitled-design-(39)1731975060-0-165x106.webp "article")
1731929357-0/Express-Tribune-(6)1731929357-0-270x192.webp "punjab govt announces guidelines for school reopening")
Pakistan better not reopen the NATO supply routes. They are our enemies. The US army plans to do a total war against Islam which was leaked http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/pentagon-instructor-urged-total-war-with-islam-7737807.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18030105
@Rizwan: "They are not doing a favour, they are just giving us the money what belongs to us!!"
Not really ! It does not belong to you, its more like "Service Charge" but the problem here is, there has very little service provided, in first place and has been overcharged too !
we have reached a point where we have nothing to lose..so, let the current policy of pakistan be continued and defended with full clarity..we must not let others sitting thousand of miles away and knows about Afghanistan not hurt our national ego.. let them show the guts of finding durable solution of Afghan crisis by having the non-participation of Pakistan.
@Nadia:
"Pakistan has 50000 dead because of this drama."
The truth is that any losses sustained by Pakistan is its own doing. Remember the "Afghan strategic depth" strategy and the consequent creation of the Taliban and support to Al Qaeda by the Pakistani army/ISI establishment? But for this militaristic, revisionist, confrontational and aggressive stance of Pakistan, none of the consequences would have happened including 9/11. So the blame lies right at Pakistan's door.
@Hedgefunder: They are not doing a favour, they are just giving us the money what belongs to us!! Our army is fighting US-War, not Pakistan war! Our soldiers and cities are being targeted because we are american allies!!
One should sulk and moan in private when uninvited to any event.This public display of hankering for a seat at the table is disgracefull.
General Anders Fogh Rasmussen was invited by USA. He even knows he can't make invitation without We say so.
@Ali syed Then so will your 60% exports and 100% aid
Pakistan is not there because NATO supply lines are blocked. Iran is not there because it is alleged to be making nukes though it is signatory to NPT and has not violated it. India is not there as Pakistan is not invited though the Indian suckers are shelling out more green packs than the NATO allies.China is not there because India is not there. Russia just does not care as long as US spends its green packs.Now ISAF/NATO know what is the problem?This meeting is just waste of money
@ Hedge funder : US & Nato alliance will go the Soviet way
Results will not be fruitful unless Pakistan, Iran, Russia, China and India are not made part of this conference. From economic point of view if supplies are not restored then we will be big losers. Something positive must be done from both sides to break the ice. It looks as if we have been playing wrong cards at right time and right cards at wrong time.
@SHAHID: Everything is possible when you make someone a "friend" . A good friend is who tolerates a naughty friend. But when this NATO FRIEND saves thousands of lives in bosnia from a military sociopath , where no one dares to go,you should forget his every bad "habits"
@Nadia: Who is Begging??? This is not an Indian Thinking! So rest assure, to that fact and get rid of that phobia too ! Its simple common sense and take time to read other articles in this publication to make you aware of the FACT !
@SHAHID.
Since when is returning fire during a night battle considered murder? It's apparent to the rest of the World that Pakistan fired first (as it has on numerous occasions) and that the NATO/Afghan/USA ground troops requested air power as part of their defense. Were there mistakes made - yes. Was an apology made - yes (at least 20 times by some accounts) - was it the unconditional groveling demanded - no.
@Hedgefunder: Well it's a wishful Indian thinking. If importance was diminishing they wouldn't be begging to open the routes. Pakistan has 50000 dead because of this drama. Here is an eye opener for everyone.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/2012/05/10/military-class-suspended-0n_1507779.html
Murder of 24 Pakistani Troops is to be accountable and punishable, if necessary. NATO "must" understand that it is of utmost concern and grave situation for NATO to "NOT" apologize and compensate / pay for its irresponsible acts. Pakistan should not be invited to any NATO forum. Why should Pakistan be part of a rogue organization like NATO who is on criminal path of killing people. Pakistan should 'not' open any route, or provide any facility to NATO. Let India give such facility to their fathers in NATO.
@Ashvinn: "Now Pakistan can continue their D measuring contest with USA"
Please get real ! Pakistan is beyond that stage ! Can you not actually see the outcome of this scenario ? Pakistan banked their whole policy on playing Games and this crises for their personal benefits and extending it to the fullest, however there is going to be a Closure , for sure, hence the sudden visit by POTUS to Kabul, and Plans have changed and Pakistan is no longer in that Equation, whether they like it or not ! The simple fact is that Pakistan played their cards and lost this Poker game !
I love that childish Pakistani mentality. Pakistan: "we might boycott your summit!" NATO: "you've never been cleared as possibly invited without the supply lines open anyways." Pakistan: "we didn't wanna go anyways!" NATO: "good? now shutup and go play with your toys we bought you or you're grounded" Pakistan: "haha we got you!" NATO: "if it'll shut you up. fine."
Should this be a concern for Pakistan? The future of Af is crucial for the future and stability of Pak. You wouldnt want all talibans moving to Pak?
No, not a very good news! I'm getting more and more concerned with every passing day and all such events---hopefully, we are not being ousted from the civilized world and targetted for some action to jolt our national hubris back to real world.
@Hedgefunder: India wasn't invited because of Pakistan throwing a hissy fit. The way I see it, Pakistan should now not go even it they beg you to come. I mean where is your pride? Who needs NATO or US or EU when you have China? Go on Pakistan, show the world who's the boss.
Open the supply = Pak attends meeting. Nato gets supplies Decide against it = Pak does not attend meeting. Nato suffers losses.
Benefits from attending the meeting = none Benefits of not attending the meeting = none
End result... decide against it... Nato suffers... rest everything remains constant.
@Hedgefunder: In case you have forgotten we are still left center country, we do not trust west with buying weapons which is easier to justify then trying to justify attending such conferences,also India is not as powerfull as the NATO countries in many areas of development, a weak country in such a alliance will always be compromised, which in this case is India. Why go to a NATO conference and be compromised? Now Pakistan can continue their D measuring contest with USA
It is almost funny to see the euphoria of some to see Pakistan is being made irrelevant in its own backyard. The Afghan jihad was not won by so-called Mujahedeen but the USSR and USA became friends. The notion that “we” had defeated one superpower and now we can defeat another superpower is pure fantasy of fanatics. The US is not leaving Afghanistan in the next decade or more. Even when they pull out, they would have enough drones and forces to make sure that Afghanistan does not become a safe haven of terrorists once again. In the war against terrorism the US does not need many troops when they have Special Forces, Navy seals and drones to name a few. How quickly and conveniently some forget what a couple of dozen navy seals can do in the heart of a military base? The denial is not going to change the ground realities. When the terrorists are not safe even in Pakistan how could they be safe again in Afghanistan?
@Hedgefunder
You said exactly what my perspective is!! Love you buddy for saying this!
The comments above show that it is clearly not just the deep state which thinks it can fool the US..Pakistani English reading middle class clearly support Taliban, al qaedaa and their likes that they can't even think about the implications of on going matters.
Btw for all of the above, China, India and Russia are with US on this one.
this all game PPP is playing a card to show the people what we r/doing to win the election.
Nato should address this first:
"KABUL —Afghan commanders have refused more than a dozen times within the past two months to act on U.S. intelligence regarding high-level insurgents, arguing that night-time operations to target the men would result in civilian casualties, Afghan officials say."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asiapacific/afghan-commanders-show-new-defiance-in-dealings-with-americans/2012/05/11/gIQAMdNTHUstory.html
They should hold the summit in the safety of Kabul. Would love to see which countries delegates will accept and attend the summit. i can bet even the NATO members won't attend.
I guess the other countries don't really believe that Pakistan's involvement is essential - or maybe they believe that Pakistan is part of the problem rather than part of the solution - perhaps a bit of both.
@Revolutionary: Yea! Well said, well taken and well placed. Salams
Haha hohoho wa wa
Pakistan and Iran are not going to this NATO summit
It's a summit for losers anyhow
France and Australia are withdrawing
Pakistan
You invited us last time and we did not attend. You are just saving face now.
@SM: Let me be honest, I am not a fan of US foreign policy ! I went to uni in L.A. however i declined to accept green card, as to me UK is my home. US foreign policy has always been flawed, at least since 50's and Korea mess. It has not improved over time, as only the administrations have changed, but not much else ! Unfortunately Pakistan has always tied themselves as an ally of US and accepted US grandees over last 5 decades, hence the current mess and the cauldron that Pakistan finds itself in.
Pakistan should shut its airspace to all NATO/ISAF overflights that carry munitions or weapons.
@Hedgefunder: As far as the people of Pakistan go (along side other third world countries who elect such leaders), I am with you 100%. However, the Western nations that support this neo-colonialism seek to influence elections and (corrupt absolute rulers) by their wealth and install puppet regimes to install economic control over the natural wealth of these countries.
And our people fall for the slogans of roti, kapra, makaan etc etc..
@SM: I agree with you, to certain extent, however in Pakistan, the problem is the People ! Why give mandate to the People who plunder the Nation repeatedly and create policies that are detrimental for Nation's well being and future???? It shows the lack of apptitude on behalf of the people !
This kind of a snub is bad. Nato should know that Afghanistan is one place which cannot be stabilized except with the willing cooperation of several, especially bordering countries. In terms of geography, India is not a bordering country. Even then, India can contribute for development in Afghanistan. Fortunately, for geographical reasons again, India cannot be credited with hegemonistic ambition in respect of Afghanistan. The geographical neighbours - Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China, Pakistan - should all have been invited to the Chicago conference because as neighbours these countries have a vital stake in Afghanistan. It will help if Pakistan, especially, would consider allowing Afghanistan to seek its future and fortunes as it best may. Ideas like "territorial depth" are outdated and may only serve NOW to complicate matters for Afghanistan but will bring no advantage to Pakistan.
@Hedgefunder: Bankruptcy is better than the aid that ends back up in Western pockets anyway...Without the Western nations that seek to subjugate poorer nations, Pakistan would be better off. You can't understand that but the Western powers are looters and plunders of the wealth of these poorer countries.
If you go read history, you will see that at the turn of the 19th century India was 20% of the world GDP only to be looted by the British and eventually the British used Indian wealth to partially finance two world wars.
@SM: , do you really think Pakistanis care a hoot for you and NATO and the third rate powers that are included in NATO…
These third rate powers are, who have supported you for decades, and without them it will be like Pakistan will simply not have any Oxygen to breath !!!!!! You are already staring at Bankruptcy in Face, perhaps you can even smell it too !
That's OK dude. We saw how productive was the previous conference which we boycotted... Good Luck with your solution finding efforts of your mess!
@Imran Mohammad how come India is an immediate neighbor?.have dome geography lesson.
Oh my...!!! NATO Chief we are dying to attend the Chicago summit... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let us come....
Mr. Rasmussen, seriously, do you really think Pakistanis care a hoot for you and NATO and the third rate powers that are included in NATO...
We are a stupid country...12 years ago we gave the americans a free hand to do whatever they please. Although i don;t want any materials used for killing people to be passing through my country.....i would have happily allowed nato supplies to pass through (as we did for 12 years) if the U.S gave us $10billion a year civilian aid upfront, fixed our kashmir issue with india, and assisted in our energy woes...
India, China and Russia are not NATO members so, why would they be invited to a NATO summit?
Pakistan Zindabad!!! We should all look at the bright side, even India wasn't invited. So much so for India's importance and self-respect. Too bad the Indian kissing up did not yield anything positive for India.
@awGilani: " We should rather thank them for this. Pakistan has nothong to lose from it."
Pakistan has too much to lose, here ! Ever thought of AID, Loans etc....... Which keeps the Country at float, as otherwise Bankruptcy is round the corner !
Pakistan had a major role to play in Chicago summit even though other three countries could have made some useful contributions but were left out since Pakistan was delibrately kept out of this very important meet.
Immediate neighbors: Pakistan/Iran not invited Regional players: China, India, Russia not invited.
Genius !!!!
Pakistan should ask the previous all years TAX from NATO...they used the roads and damaged it alot and payed NO TAX....shame on them...if you dont pay tax its very serious crime in Nato Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen Country DENMARK...but why he is not paying to PAKISTAN any TAX ???
All this is just a façade to make the public believe that we are a principled nation. The reality is that the supply line will be opening soon. We are basically an aid-dependent nation, and without American nod, none of the financial institution will be willing to lend. So without the NATO supply line being reopened, we won't be getting the all important American nod, and our beloved leaders would starve- Now we wouldn't want that to happen, or would we?
@sadu mamma: "Screw them . We should not open the supply routes unless we get something in return."
Hey wake up ! Its more of the case in Reverse ! Get it??
Pity the NATO .... Judge saab
60 percent of our exports go to US and EU, and we don’t export life saving drugs. Which world are we living in? Most of the naive nationalist’s don’t even understand the motives behind the posturing of the army which is only meant to increase its bargain potential. People take national honour literally. For bankrupt states, there is no honour
@Xain Gardezi: :) Exactly, We should rather thank them for this. Pakistan has nothong to lose from it.
Chicago summit is a useless exercise anyway... just a "feel good" gathering, nothing else... the summit should have happened in Kandahar not Chicago...
Pakistan isolated from: (a) NATO Summit in Chicago (b) Red Cross (c) International Cricket team visit (d) Any western Head of State (e) Investment for Iran Pakistan Pipeline----and the list keep growing by the day. Is more proof needed?
Not even invited? There you have it - you indeed are a very important US and NATO ally :) And you are in-disposable when it comes to Afghanistan's peace process. Cheers!
What exactly does a country like Morrocco have to do with Afghanistan, to make to the invitation list, that China and Pakistan, two countries with the most at stake in Afghanistan dont? Seems like another fail conference like the Bonn Conference.
How about you apologise to us first? Otherwise please rely on India for getting out of afghanistan!
NATO made a good move. We would have boycotted if invited.
U.S/NATO are completely clueless after blockade of supplies by Pakistan & now they are taking every false step one after the other..!
the countries closest to Afghanistan- namely Russia, China, INdia, and Pakistan are not invited while the Arabs are invited which are farther away, and a thousand light years in culture, and traditions... I think NATO is on drugs.
@Revolutionary: "If they are not inviting Pakistan to Chicago, why our Army chief is meeting NATO commander??? "
The answer is simple ! Because they have been paying your Bills for past decade ! Pakistan's self importance is diminishing pretty fast !
I had advised Pakistan not to make any travel plans to Chicago but ET would not let my advice through. Now, what do you do with all those air tickets and hotel reservations with nowhere to go.
Not invited to the NATO summit - China, India, Pakistan and Russia. Finally Pakistan is in august company but without these countries being on board, can peace return to Afghanistan ? Wonder what Qatar, Morocco, UAE and Jordan can contribute ? Why an African country like Morocco baffles me. Seems like Chicago is going to be a pleasure trip for many, good escape from summer drudgery. Seems like Pakistan rulers are not the only ones to have lost their senses.
Qatar, Morocco, UAE... they have plenty of petro dollars to throw away
No India either? That seems like a concilliatory gesture towards Pakistan. I think Pakistan and the US are moving towards a resolution of the NATO land route issue that will allow both sides to keep face.
Still the politicians are mulling over to open the NATO supply lines.....can't think of anything else to write really...enough has been said before me and enough has been seen through these eyes.
While US may consider invite all the countries of the World except Pakistan, any sustainable solution to stabilize the region will require proactive (or even active) participation from Pakistan. If someone consider that India would meritoriously deputize US in maintaining stability in Afghanistan, perhaps this is wishful thinking as for Afghans, neither US nor Indians nor Pakistanis are acceptable to administer the affairs of their Country. India would invariably be considered an Alien Nation in Afghanistan no matter how friendly the sitting Government is to India or US. Historically, Afghanistan is one of the most difficult country to govern. Same is becoming, slowly but surely, true for Pakistan. Obviously, India would not like to be neighbor with a country that is synonymous to Afghanistan, especially considering the fact that Afghanistan and Pakistan are now considered "twins"; hence jointly named as Af-Pak by the Global Power! We can only wish, and pray, that sanity prevails not only in this region, but in the corridors of Power in Washington D.C!
Pakistan should not come under pressure .US and Nato has lot on stake .They cant push any further .We all stand behind PAKISTAN
And that goes out of Stadium :)
US/NATO has bitten more than it can chew. Now Talibans are all set to chew off all the fat from rag tag Afghan Army and their sponsors. Why dont NATO use the more celebrated Northern Distribution Network and stop bullying Pakistan. NO MORE!! Pakistan wants out of America's war.
Leh! Awain hee we were disturbed over the fact whether we should go or not. God that Nato made the decision for us.
They'll have their way like it or not. I expect the routes to be fully functional by the end of the month without an apology of course.
I do have to applaud the stance Pakistan took though, it's just that we are dealing with morally incompetent and ethically challenged 'allies' coupled with a weak and corrupt Pakistani leadership that's all.
Chicago summit will be useless without the presence of regional stake holders
"grapes are sour", for NATO
we aren't going to open the suppy, do, what you have to do. for the first time, US & NATO are on the knees begging for help.
Screw them . We should not open the supply routes unless we get something in return.
Tit for Tat :)
Pakistan had already threaten to boycott the submit earlier, so i guess this action by nato is to safe them for further embarrassment
Ofcourse, they were never likely to be invited, after their recent and past behaviour with Nato and US ! It was only Pakistan, that kept up the nonsense of attending the Chicago Summit,to stress their own indulgence and self importance ! The Game for Pakistan is over, they do not have plan B, after calling their Bluff, hence this outcome. This should really start ringing Alarm bells in GHQ and Foreign Ministry !!!
talks are focus on enhancing the efficiency of border coordination measures along the Pak-Afghan border and multilateral mechanisms
its on pakistan border and pakistan not invited.
Keep living in dreams North Atlantic Terrorist Organization (NATO)
It makes complete sense to invite Qatar, Morocco, UAE to discuss Afghanistan but not Pakistan /sarcasm. What a bunch of nutters.
these are nothing more than pressure tactics being used by US+Nato to make PAK open supply route ......
Finally USA and NATO has shown the Deep State of its limits - stay out of Afghan. Deep State has finished using all its cards to no avail. What next? God forbid if there is another attack in Afghan and is linked to Haqqani. USA and NATO will consider it an act of war that only Allah know how it will end for the Deep State.
If NATO can really get out of Afghan mess without Pakistan, China, India and Russia, well.... Goodluck to them!
I am selling Euros and Dollars.
Thanks..!
If they are not inviting Pakistan to Chicago, why our Army chief is meeting NATO commander??? Its time that Pakistan should expel the American Ambassador for being unwanted...
This is a dangerous game Pakistan is playing.
good. we are not part of losing team now atleast.
Well Rationality aside , now we should not open any routes or give any concessions ..