Thawing relations: ‘Nato supply routes likely to resume this week’
Sources add that Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington Sherry Rehman is arriving in Islamabad today (Monday), while Isaf commander has already arrived in Islamabad – for the second time this week. Gen Allen reportedly held meetings with both Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and army chief Gen Parvez Kayani. Military experts from both sides were also present at the meeting.
While Pakistan has been hinting at opening supply lines for some time, a formal announcement was hinging on an ‘acceptable’ apology from the US over the Salala attacks. While this is likely to come forth this week, according to sources, it is not going to come from the highest ranks.
They also said a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Defence is to be held this week, to discuss the Nato supplies issue. Ambassador Rehman is notably being called back to Islamabad for the third in connection with the opening of supply routes.
The sources added that Pakistan and the US have already agreed upon technical and monitory issues regarding resumption of supplies through land routes. However, some aspects, which remain undecided, are to be finalised at the ‘highest-level of decision making’.
Hillary congratulates PM
Against the backdrop of this rapid thaw in Pak-US relations, US Foreign Secretary Hilary Clinton called Premier Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Sunday and congratulated him on his newly-attained office, and extended her good wishes to President Asif Ali Zardari.
According to media reports, Hilary expressed her hopes that relations with Pakistan would strengthen during Prime Minister Ashraf’s tenure. She pointed out that the two countries are allies in the ‘War on Terror’.
Premier Ashraf said that Pakistan was determined to eradicate terrorism.
(WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT IN WASHINGTON)
Published in The Express Tribune, July 2nd, 2012.
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Nothing works like good old threats !!
@ Ayesha_ Khan: I appreciate your point but things do not work here the way they do in India, here the COAS represents the GOP in its entirety and his decision is the final word which cannot be questioned and challenged by any of the other branches of the government.
I wonder why Difa-e-Pakistan Council and its followers are all of a sudden so quiet?
We have seen similar articles before and nothing has happened -- time will tell whether this one is accurate. Even if the route is re-opened I suspect the volume will be significantly less than before which may disappoint some economist who were relying on those transit fees.
@FactCheck: Yes, most likely the apology letter with some green paper bundles was deposited in Kayani and Zardari's overseas accounts.
The deep state does not need empty words of apology, they need cash in dollars and lots of it. They are not going to eat empty words of apology, which is for public consumption only and the US has already offered.
Better late than never.The closure of the supply line for over six months created more problems than solving any.At least over hundred thousand people(include.their dependents) lost their livelihood.Vested elements in afghan army have been frequently intruding Pakistan territory with sinister motives.Sooner it is back to business as usual the better it will be for all stake holders.
@ayesha_khan: Do not worry about the Defence Minister. When US is being represented by General(John Allen) then Pakistan should also be represented by the Chief of the Army Staff. Keeping in view the normal protocol, even the Foreign Minister should not have welcomed General Allen for talks. At best he could have been given an opportunity to meet the foreign secretary.
What happened to the apology? Did Pakistan get it?
shame, really. Expected better from the army at least.
@Mirza: Yes ! As its only Generals that are capable of making decisions in Pakistan, the rest is just window dressing in name of Democracy !!!!
Another IMF loan seems near.
If this route is opened, whole nation head will be down forever. It will show all that govt and top army cops are all barking for dollars and no shame left in them.
please don't sell you country and respect for few papers... you are worth much more than this.
It is always prudent to be flexible and follow the policy of give and take which will yield the desired result. In international affairs too rigid a stance can prove to be disastrous.
What will DeP do and how will Pak army counter them?
Thank God Sanity prevailed! Credit goes to both generals & respective governments. I am very happy.
@ hammad. American are being polite otherwise they can open their supply route bt force and there is little your generals can do. ARMY is the real arbitrator and the nation must accept their decision with grace
"Gen Allen reportedly held meetings with both Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and army chief Gen Parvez Kayani. "
What about the defense minister? Why even bother with having the post when he is bypassed in all security related decision making and only the COAS is involved
So the Kayani has the final authority on this Subject . . .???
When US politicos issue threats, the Pak army always dismisses them as empty talk.
But, if such threats come US Generals, then the Pak Army knows these are serious. The only option is to meekly surrender and to save face, prepare some wooly worded press release to fool the public.
@Hammad, what arrogance, we have given them the permission to do it, they are doing it on our Army's consent.
This government has absolutely zero shame. Just when one thinks they cant get any lower, they do! The bottom has no limits for them - forget the sky.
While the general was in Islamabad, another drone strike was carried out. This shows the arrogance that man Panetta is infested with. Let them take their so much talked northern supply routes and pay them few hundred millions more. American tax payers will be much more delighted.
Kudos to Gen Allen, a job well done. In Pakistan it is Gen to Gen talk that yields desired results.