Senators urge US to apologise for Salala attack
“Pakistan places its bilateral relationship with the US in high regard but it would never compromise on its sovereignty,” chairman of the committee Haji Adeel said, adding that the US should “respect parliamentary resolutions and apologise for the Salala attack, besides taking concrete steps for putting the bilateral relationship on the right track.”
The committee also reviewed the losses inflicted by the free-of-charge Nato supply routes and endorsed Pakistan’s demand for imposing cess on the supply routes if they are reopened.
Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani briefed the committee on ongoing negotiations between Pakistan and the US, particularly regarding the resumption of Nato supplies.
The secretary also briefed the committee on developments for ensuring peace and stability in the region and the role played by Pakistan at different international forums.
The committee directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pay special attention to develop and further strengthen bilateral ties with countries in South Asia, Central Asia and the Gulf.
During deliberations, the committee thoroughly discussed Pakistan’s relations with Central Asian States, besides Saarc and OIC countries.
The committee members expressed satisfaction over the fact that the country’s foreign policy is now reflecting the aspirations of Pakistani people.
They also proposed the government to focus on enhancing trade and business ties with regional players, besides cooperating in the energy sector.
Senators Aitzaz Ahsan, Muhammad Jehangir Badar, Syeda Sughra Imam and Mushahid Hussain Sayed attended the meeting, among others.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2012.
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@Jat: good one
Urge all you want but these Senators who have spent there entire careers bad mouthing the USA have lost all ability to influence America. Maybe the Senators should urge an impartial investigation into the border incident - maybe that will disclose that the American's are correct and that Pakistan doesn't deserve an unconditional apology - I suppose that "one sided steps" may depend on which side of the fence your on.
Don't these Senator understand baisc logic? With drones hitting Pakistan at regular intervals, this talk of 'to never compromise sovereignty' is a cruel joke. What is left of this so-called 'sovereignty'? It is better these guys turn their attention to the real issues afflicting Pakistani economy: tax collection and redistribution of national resources.
The recommendations of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign policy that Pakistan should not compromise on its sovereignty of Pakistan and that the United States, respecting the resolution of the National Assembly, should apologize to Pakistan with regard to Salala incident are highly commendable.And it is also fair and reasonable that Pakistan demand from the United States payment of cess for using the NATO supply routes that run through Pakistan to Afghanistan.America need to be made to realize and accept that Pakistan also has its honour and dignity that that America is bound to respect.
This is how it works:
We will never compromise on our sovereignty,,,so funny!!
Pakistani economy will suffer even more if routes are not opened soon.
@Hunter punter
Totally agree with you. At the same time, America should move on and stop asking Pakistan to open supply routes. Pakistan won't open them.
What Sovereignty are these Senators Talking about ???? Pakistan lost their so called Sovereignty long time back, infact when they started depending on foreign Aid and Loans for their economic survival, furthermore when they allowed NW to become home base for their so called assets too ! This Nation has not learnt anything in last 60 years !!!!dling Fiddling the same tune, does not earn respect, but does show height of stupidity !!!
Another first for Pakistan - it has become the first country in the 'comity of nations' to beg for apology. This is one record that is unlikely to be surpassed in years to come.
Einstein said that the definition of Insanity is to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result.
Same thing, same questionable assertions, different person. The thing they all miss out on is stating some actual incentive or at least a new addition. Repeating yourselves is just going to make people stop listening entirely.
“Pakistan places its bilateral relationship with the US in high regard but it would never compromise on its sovereignty,”
IT must place relationship with terrorists in even higher regard because with them it can and DOES compromise its sovereignty. The latest instance with the warlord prohibiting polio and the people withdrawing is a perfect example of this.