Speaking to reporters at a press briefing at the Pentagon, he said, “we hope that day comes sooner than later.” Little added that the US looks forward to having their negotiators return to Islamabad to “seal the deal” at some point in the near future.
The Pentagon spokesperson’s remarks come a day after the announcement that the US was pulling out its negotiating team from Pakistan without reaching a deal on the re-opening the supply routes.
The routes have been closed since November, 2011, after 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed by 'friendly fire' of Nato forces in Salala.
“We are continuing our dialogue,” reiterated Little, “we haven’t cut off negotiations altogether.”
In response to a question, Little made it clear that the Pakistan routes were just one of the many that the US used and downplayed their importance suggesting they were economical rather than vital.
He said that they believed they could adequately supply Nato troops in Afghanistan and the Afghan National Security Forces through the Northern Distribution Network (NDN), however it was costlier, the Ground Lines of Communications (GLOCs) on the other hand were less expensive, "The GLOCs are important logistically and in terms of cost."
Little did not respond directly to questions about the Pakistani demand for an apology over the Salala incident, but reiterated their earlier statements about expressing deep regret for the episode.
The Pentagon spokesperson said that they have reached an agreement on a range of technical issues with Pakistan. “Its time to move forward in this relationship.”
Meanwhile Captain John F. Kirby at the Pentagon said that it was in the hands of Pakistan’s political leadership to make the decisions on where “they want to go strategically on this.”
COMMENTS (11)
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Now forget the restoration of blocked NATO's supply routes from Pakistan and better use supply routes from the other Central Asian States you have found and done agreements.........
Here we go again, same old song just a different day
There is no motive for reopening of supply route
General elections are coming up
These supply lines are closed for good .
When a nation goes to war without ample supply of energy to sustain the demand, it is bound to compromise on National Security and National Interests. Japan is a classic example.
Now its Pakistan.
After the US has refused to pay exorbitant amount of extortion money the problem would be solved. All the rhetoric and bellicose attitude has changed and the establishment is ready to play ball. The NATO and the UN is not going to allow the duplicity from Pakistan. We would have to prove our intents by action in Waziristan and catch high value targets.
Seems like the groom is pushing hard to get a yes from the poor bride.....he knows its only matter of time before she says yes.....ironic but forced marriages are still so common in this civilized world
US must appologise to all Pakistanies for Slala post incident.Keep it closed till such time an appology comes.
Use Northern Distribution Network (NDN) and leave Pakistan alone.....
Thank goodness. I feel so relieved. @ET you guys can breathe easy as well now.
An open letter to Mr.Cautious:
You seem to jump to conclusions really quickly and try and spill out your kind hatred against Pakistan. Without beating by the bush, here is your answer. It does not seem to me that US has actually "moved on" and, honestly, it will be benefiting for Pakistanis if US had actually "moved on" and stopped her so-called Aid which is going to the US friends a.k.a corrupt politicians anyway.
But for you, really try getting some help so that you are a bit more realistic and rational with your comments and analysis that you serve us with.
Sincere Regards.
The American strategy seems muddled. They show desperation one day and arrogance the next, making matters worse.
And what if we say, NO!!