ISLAMABAD:
As Pakistan and the United States struggle to break the months-long deadlock in their troubled relationship, British Foreign Secretary William Hague is travelling to Islamabad next week apparently to broker a deal between the two estranged allies.
Hague’s crucial trip coincides with the visit of US Assistant Defence Secretary Peter Levoy, who will be in the capital over the weekend to sort out differences with Pakistani authorities on resumption of Nato supply lines. Diplomatic sources have confirmed that the British foreign secretary would discuss with the Pakistani leadership the issue of tension with the US.
Requesting anonymity, the official added that Britain had been part of efforts seeking de-escalation of tensions between Pakistan and the United States. Last month, Prime Minister Gilani also travelled to London where the issue of Nato supplies was one of the key agenda items.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 8th, 2012.
COMMENTS (16)
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I urge all pakustani americans to give up their citizenship so that americans realise their folly. i will give up within a months time if they don't apologise. This will put a lot of pressure on Americsns.
@Imran: "Girl that was sarcasm !!"
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. By the way, don't know how old you are butif you are in late 20s as appears from your other posts I have read, I am old enough to be your mother - so not exactly a girl :) Not that I am offended by being addressed that way.
Well any opportunity for a peaceful settlement is precious but just remember, all the conflicts around the globe are the result of British Brokered deals in the first half of the last century!
I don't know why people are not trying to understands, Pakistan is no more in a position to accommodate dictations of the west.Pakistan has looked after interest of the Americans for 60 years, now in this region there are five nuclear countries with fast growing economies. Fooling/twisting/blackmail/showing light in the tunnels/pressurizing Pakistan by sending UK is now JUST waste of time.Now neighbours has the priority and right of way..
Why broker a deal in first place? How many of Pakistanis desire that?
What if Foreign Secretary William Hague decides a 100% raise in transit fees for opening the transit route from 250$ to 500$/Container is appropriate ? He is unlikely to recommend $ 5000 as then he will be asked to foot the bill by US/NATO.
More evidence that the American's have made a decision on Pakistan and the Brits are trying to salvage something before they are put in the difficult decision of ending up treating Pakistan as a potential enemy. It apparently hasn't dawned on Pakistan that the two top military leaders in America have said "enough" and it's the American military that has been the stalwart defender of Pakistan.
Noor : Why should London or Washington or Beijing or anyone else keep doing any good to Pakistan at all?? They are minding their national business. If interested you carry on, otherwise ignore and keep going the way u want to. This idea of somebody doing good to Pakistan all the time is sickening.
London is not just part of problem,
Actually, it is the initiator & creator of all problems.
Since 1947's demarcation of boundaries, what good has London done to Pakistan?
It is rather comforting to learn about the intervention of the British Foreign Secretary William Hague to resolve the issues between Pakistan and the United States respecting the NATO supply routes through Pakistan to Afghanistan.Britain can certainly play an important role in finding a solution to this thorny problem which is the result of American arrogance.Obama's refusal to apologize for the killing of the 24 soldiers is is indeed a serious affront to Pakistan.and its an ungracious gesture on the part of Obama.However,his refusal to act graciously could be the fear of its impact on his re election.Now that the US Assistant Secretary of Defence is coming over to Pakistan to discuss the issues and negotiate a settlement,Pakistan could be magnanimous and offer to reach a settlement to reopen the supply route.
So it should put in this way "Servant of US will mediate between Master and Sub-servant. Since the Servant don't want to face the enraged Master so they will force sub-servant to make the Master happy in a way which is acceptable to the Master"...This is our status and our politicians, army, intellectuals are of them are responsible for that.
Hope ET will publish this bitter truth...
How can anyone trust British British to be an honest broker while dealing on behalf of British Americans? The British were Imperialist and now the British Americans are Imperialist. Imperialists are parasites. Charity begins at home. Imperialists begin Imperialism from their homes, then export to other countries.
@ayesha_khan: Girl that was sarcasm !!
Flexibility in " conditions" will break the ice.The UK diplomacy and it's vision of the peaceful world will help in ending the deadlock.Encouraging news is that both estranged countries are open to dialogue and resolve the issues without further damage.Under the circumstance the British foreign secretary will hopefully find some honourable ways acceptable to all stakeholders .Key is flexibility.
@Raj - USA: "Perhaps Lord Nazir could mediate."
He has recently earned huge credibility with US by suggesting that he would be willing to fund a bounty on the US president.
Perhaps Lord Nazir could mediate.