WASHINGTON: The United States is withdrawing its team of negotiators from Pakistan without securing a long-sought deal with Islamabad to allow trucks to again supply NATO troops in neighboring Afghanistan, the Pentagon said on Monday.
The decision is the latest sign of troubled ties with Islamabad and was announced just days after Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the United States was reaching the limits of its patience because of the safe havens Pakistan offered to insurgents.
Pakistan's envoy to the United States had warned that Panetta's comments last Thursday in Kabul were unhelpful to efforts to narrow the differences between the two countries and came at a critical moment in negotiations.
Pentagon spokesman George Little said the decision to withdraw the negotiating team was not imposed by Pakistan. He said the team of negotiators had been there for about six weeks and deserved a rest.
"I believe that some of the team left over the weekend and the remainder of the team will leave shortly," Little told reporters. "This was a US decision."
Pakistan closed ground supply routes through its territory last year to protest a cross-border NATO air attack that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.
As a result, NATO has turned to countries to the north of Afghanistan for land routes as the US-led alliance begins a withdrawal of its forces from the country next year.
But resupplying troops in Afghanistan through the northern route is about 2-1/2 times more expensive than shipping items through Pakistan, a US defense official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Little acknowledged that securing a deal with Pakistan remained a priority and said the team of negotiators could return at any moment. In the meantime, military officials attached to the US Embassy in Islamabad would be able to discuss the matter with Pakistani officials.
"We will continue to work through the (ground supply route) matter with Pakistan. And the members of the team that are leaving, or have, left are prepared to return to Islamabad at any moment to continue discussions in person," Little said.
Talking to The Express Tribune, Commander Bill Speaks said that technical consultations "had largely been completed" by the team, which had been in Pakistan for over 45 days, "so it has been determined that they can return home."
Speaks seconded Little, saying that the US "is ready to send officials back to Islamabad when the Pakistani Government is ready to conclude the agreement, and the Chargé d'Affairs remains in place to continue working the process," adding that the United States' goal is to complete an agreement as soon as possible.
Some progress made
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters at a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said that they have made some progress in the negotiations.
In response to a question, she said that the issues between Pakistan and the United States remained difficult.
Nuland though declined to comment on Pakistan's demand for an apology. In response to a question, the State Department spokesperson said that there had been some members of the State Department in the negotiating team earlier to discuss some aspects, but they had left earlier.
COMMENTS (49)
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Pakistan just continues to dig deeper and deeper into its grave. It's about time US refuses to participate in the double crossing game Pakistan consistently has played. This pride and respect that you people demand is just pathetic considering the amount of corruption and fraud that exists in your government from national to local level. In addition your country is resource deficient with an economy in shambles. This army and atomic bomb that you guys continuously boast about is pathetic considering the amount of poverty that exists. An apology isn't gonna improve the embarrassing reputation that Pakistan suffers globally. You guys need to open your eyes and realize the reality of your situation. Your country is badly in need of reform. It's in your best interest to stick with a cooperative diplomatic policy compared to US or NATO. This pride for your nation won't help the generators run to bring electricity in Pakistan.
@Azim: Though our economy has been devalued by almost 50% in last 5 years thanks to PPP government, but we should not be afraid to take the our chances as we have examples of countries like Brazil who had a similar economic melt down.
Couple of huge fallacies in your argument. First, it is unfair to blame the PPP government for all the ills. They only inherited the bad economic policies of Musharraf who played smoke and mirror games to falsify economic data and conditions for local and global propaganda. In reality, Pakistan was running on borrowed time and free western freebie dollars. Once Musharraf was finished, the rotting skeleton of Pakistan's economy was exposed and Musharraf's bad policy legacy became a present reality.
As for Brazil, there is no way Pakistan can be compared to this great country. Brazil does not spend 60% of its national income like Pakistan does to maintain a mammoth army that is disproportionate with its resources. Neither does Brazil has a perceived perpetual enemy that is 10 times its size nor does it have its leg tied to a t000 ton boondoggle rock called Kashmir that is pulling it down a deep abyss.
The art of negotiations does not permit prescribing a priori conditions in order that matters may move forward. The art of negotiations means give and take. Now, US/Nato has alternative routes available. Pakistan may celebrate its regrets in the aftermath of the failure to reach agreement on the reopening of supply routes. Pakistan has sunk into irrelevance as far as US/Nato is concerned. Concluded. V. C. Bhutani, Delhi, India, 12 Jun 2012, 0524 IST
It is about time that things were called by their proper names. That can be the only basis of correct decision-making. For far too long Pakistani people have been fed on lies dished out by the Pakistan government that Pakistan has made enormous sacrifices in the war against terror: it had lost in a big way in terms of money because of lost trade and it had suffered very large human casualties in war. That has been the refrain since Gen Musharraf’s day. The problem begins when people start believing the lies. The fact – as seen from outside – is that Pakistan has played a double game throughout from November 2001 onwards. Numerous US analysts and observers have used the phrase ‘running with the hares and hunting with the hounds’ when describing Pakistan’s role. To be concluded.
@Pollack: What money? The money for the services Pakistan Army provided? Better pay up your bills on time, son.
@Ali: and without international trade and sanctions
@Zillur Rahman: How funny. Looks Like some Indian trying to cheat Pakistanis with Fake Muslim Name. Look!! All your Big Bhashan can be summed up in " they can transport it via northern Route". Then why you are wasting your time, Those US negotiators wasting their time and all Indian trolls ( those with real name and those with Fake names both) Wasting their time here on this forum to force their position, if it is already decided. Well, go!! who is stopping NATO. If it is all about pricing then They should take the better deal. And if it is Northern Route then let it be. Why to come here and insist on something which is so obvious? Indians must focus their attention on 700 millions plus poor in their country living under poverty line instead of sitting here and determining the value of Pakistani Rupee.
Simply stated Pakistan would best served to focus on ending the regional conflict and its own internal conflict that exists between Pakistan and the Taliban tribes. Once these two addressed in a mutual beneficial manner of both United States and Pakistan the nation of Pakistan can re-focus its current agenda to a strong domestic growth effort to improve the everyday lives of their peoples in all areas both urban and rural especially. Pakistan has the potential to be a very powerful economic force in its immediate region and beyond. The most valuable resource of Pakistan is its people which if ignored delays the tremendous potential future that awaits Pakistan. For a country/nation to be at the highest level of influence is not based only on military strength but rather is based on the economic strength of that country/nation. If Pakistan can focus its investments to its people, education, infrastructure etc. it will achieve a goal that military power cannot achieve which is a strong demographic population which is literate and resourceful. Two key elements of leading nations from ancient times to today.
Pakistan is in no position to play "dog in the manger". NATO is certainly interested in the supply route through Pakistan. But it will not fall prey to Pakistan's price gouging if it has an alternative that will be cheaper than paying an exorbitant fee to Pakistan. Pakistan's demands have been so exorbitant that it is in danger of pricing itself out of the picture. NATO would rather make do with the northern route for its supplies even if it is longer and more costly. And once the NATO invests enough in the northern route, it will have even less incentive to negotiate with Pakistan.
@Pervaiz Lodhie: "Time for one sided “Do More” by USA may be coming to an end"
So will the easy money gravy train. Action reaction.
@Ali: Absolutely my thought!!!!!!!!!! For once, these politicians will have to work to get re-elected!
@ Azim : Nothing is going work in favor of Pakistan unless she dismantles the Jihadi infrastructure. It won't make any difference how far away you pull Pakistan from USA or anyone else. Single medicine to to cure Pakistan of all ills is to dismantle Jihadis of all brands. This is one step which decides you relations with rest of the world.
America should realize that mutual respect is the only way forward. You cannot black mail any country by saying to send them back to stone age or by loosing patience. What else they could expect from pakistan who already paid a huge price and suffered more than anyone else. What would have gone wrong if america had apologized at the first place and the matter would not have gone this far. There is no other way except to sit down and talk. Disputes cannot be resolved by threatening. Apolgy is must and it should come witout any conditions or else they will loose another partner in their so called war. There is no other precious thing than Life and US has to respect. Setting excuse for election year in US is utter nonsense.
Elections are coming !
@Singh: "What next? Wait & watch" The Pakistan Rupee is currently trading at 94 to the dollar. It will soon be 150 rupees and therefore less money in the pockets of ordinary citizens. Would the government or the army care?
Dear Pakistani.
Rupee was 95 to dollar, will move above 100 in next fee weeks as supply of dollars declines, with only sources being the Pakistani national abroad.
This is just a start of an era of hyper inflation as our budget deficit goes out of control, enegry crisis will get worse. Though our economy has been devalued by almost 50% in last 5 years thanks to PPP government, but we should not be afraid to take the our chances as we have examples of countries like Brazil who had a similar economic melt down.
The key from here is to distance our self from US as much as possible, but also work hard and with honesty for the future of our children. Getting rid of corrupt leadership is a step in this direction and we will get our chance, but if we fail to bring a change in our leadership and our attitude then we will be remembered as those who failed Pakistan.
Its a good side that US pressure is reducing, along with its interest in the region. We need to take this opportunity and restore our pride which will only come with economic freedom as else we will also be dependent on institution such as IMF, World Bank etc which are managed or controlled by US/ West.
Lets wake up accept that we have lost a battle but not the war - and lets change our self.
Pakistan Zindabad.
Simple apology not gonna hurt if they did to china back in bush term why not to pakistan???
This news simply means that Americans have reached to the conclusion that negotiations with Pakistan are not going to work and something else will have to be done. What that "Something" will be, should be known fairly soon.
@Hussain Ali: Yes, we are a proud Islamic nation. Where more then half the country does not have food to eat. But for the sake of your pride, they will starve. I hope that makes you feel like a big man now.
@John, the atheist: The game begins now....the fittest will survive......it was a long time war between the muslims and non-muslims.....muslims were humiliated since long....now time to return some back....
ET where is the real part of this news? (Kayani refused to meet US assistant defense secretary) its everywhere except here
All the Cargo in Karchi port could be donated or sold to AFG. What will pak do then. Block AFG transit also.
Pak has to know when to negotiate and what to negotiate. Placing untenable terms and conditions are not negotiations.
Since fall is fast approaching it is clear that US had made alternate plans and NATO supply route is becoming less critical.
Good luck pak.
Kayani refused to meet Lavoy....
http://images.thenews.com.pk/11-06-2012/ethenews/t-15276.htm
We neither want US charity nor their drones. We are a sovereign, proud, islamic nation. Let Allah help us to lead our nation. Get out US. Long live Pakistan.
Pakistan started this with the assumption that the NATO route was the 'jagular vein" in control of Pakistan and a blockade of it will be quickly satisfied by USA by meeting Pak demands like 'apology' ( which does not copst any money and US apologizes to Afganistan almost regularly for any accidental civilian deaths ) and more money. More than 6 months have passed and NATO is in no hurry and Pakistan's assumption has been proven wrong. What next ?
Time for one sided "Do More" by USA may be coming to an end. A more balanced and honest relationship can only salvage the US Pakistan relationship. Pakistan has incurred close to $100 billion losses helping US win cold war and last 10 year war in Afghanistan. 180mil Pakistanis have suffered a lot in this relationship. US should now hear what an ordinary Pakistani says.
gp65: I appreciate that but what differentiate between the both that I am trying to point here is the fact that it is still an on going process and they have gone back after 'for the time being' but of course, there difference is 'completely stopping the process' and the aforementioned.
This is a great development, I hope now we will stand by it.
Both sides need to acknowledge each others concerns.The insulting remarks at Pakistan both in Delhi and Kabul and still expect Pakistan to "make a deal' was the real surprise not this news.
Pakistan nation is strong hope it's leaders come up to their expectations.
Finally, our Politicians and Generals, shown some backbone (Self Respect)..
Another bluff. Bye Bye.
@KB: Dawn's account is very similar. In fact it adds details like Kayani refusing to meet assistant defense secreatry - which point to the troubled relationship.
Logic Europe: Lol - You're funny.
ET, do you spice things up or just copy paste the western media - Dawn give a different account, it didn't look as Breaking News:
http://dawn.com/2012/06/11/us-withdraws-negotiators-from-pakistan-no-supply-deal/
back in '01 everyone knew the minds of these Friends With Benifits !! but in '09 one could only think how would US break the ties with Pak to use the broken Fraandship as a pretext in order to continue with the wild hunt till Gwader n Himalayas.... in '12 it appears quite clearly how !! the deal isn't a failure bcoz of the Gairat Anglo- and American- Pakistani leaders just developed out of nowhere...its not final because USA doesnt want it !! . but we knew tat already, didnt we!
If anyone thought,America could be black mailed on NATO supplies ,they were wrong and now you have to face the music
What next? Wait & watch
I'm loving it - At last we have to make things better without American dollars...!!!
bye bye, have a great flight back and please don't return.
The game begins...