Pakistan to resume full spectrum of ties with US: FO

Society Pakistan & World Affairs
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Maybe the visit of Grossman to India has worked or was it Pasha’s meeting with the Americans in Qatar? No apology from the Americans, and Pakistan rubbished the report Americans provided to them regarding Salala Checkpost attack but now Pakistan is dying to have the relations with America normalized. :slight_smile:

http://www.dawn.com/2012/01/19/pakistan-to-resume-full-spectrum-of-ties-with-us-fo.html

**Pakistan to resume full spectrum of ties with US: FO
**
**ISLAMABAD: With the parliamentary re-evaluation of the relationship with the US nearing completion, Pakistan has indicated that it was set to resume full spectrum of bilateral ties.
**
“We are looking forward to re-engaging with the US on issues of mutual interest and importance,” Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit said on Thursday at the weekly media briefing.

**The desire to re-engage, Mr Basit noted, was mutual as both sides were interested in getting past the last November border incident in which 24 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives.
**
**The Nato attacks had led to review of terms of engagement with the US.
**
During the review process, Islamabad refused to welcome visiting US officials — the latest being the cancelled trip of Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman.
Mr Basit’s comments come after Parliamentary Committee on National Security completed the review of the relations with Washington.

The 35 recommendations submitted by the parliamentary body for ratification by a joint sitting of the parliament have agreed to renew the “important” relationship based on “mutual respect and mutual interest.”

The recommendations are likely to sail through the parliament because of the bi-partisan nature of PCNS, which has drafted them.

The recommendations would set the parameters for the complicated relationship between the two allies in war on terror.

Mr Basit, speaking about the PCNS recommendations, said: “We’ll lead to a positive outcome for both sides (Pakistan and the US.)

He further said that Pakistan’s desire was to have a more stable relationship that was not accident prone.

“We want relationship that is free from ups and downs of a roller coaster ride.”

**The most significant development expected as a result of the resumption of ties is the restoration of the suspended Nato supply route.
**
Though, Mr Basit twice said at the briefing that he was unaware about any proposal to reopen the blocked route, diplomatic sources have separately indicated that PCNS had paved the way for the government to reopen the Nato supply route after getting assurances from the US that there will be no repeat of the 26/11 attacks on Pakistani border posts by coalition forces in Afghanistan.

The government may introduce new conditions, including a tax on the Nato cargo transported through Pakistan, before announcing the resumption of the flow of supplies through its territory.
The government had reacted to the November 26 border incident by closing down the crucial supply route and asking the US to vacate the Shamsi airbase, which was once used for drone attacks. The airbase was vacated within the deadline given by the government.

During the closure of the supply route that is now into tenth week, tens of thousands of containers with supplies for coalition forces in Afghanistan have piled up at the Karachi port. US vessels again started arriving at the port with more supplies earlier this month following a secret meeting in Qatar between ISI Chief Lt Gen Shuja Pasha and US officials.

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Re: Pakistan to resume full spectrum of ties with US: FO

ther now considering nato route reopening:(

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Re: Pakistan to resume full spectrum of ties with US: FO

khe khe khe.
Pasha visit worked, welcome back masters !

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Re: Pakistan to resume full spectrum of ties with US: FO

so after showing their 'ghairat' the beghairat brigade is back to work?

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Re: Pakistan to resume full spectrum of ties with US: FO

Dear Captain 1:

The threat terrorist organizations pose to the region, including Pakistan, cannot be overstated. We’ve already seen the damage these terrorist organizations are capable of causing when our alliance took a halt due to the Salala incident. The terrorists used it as an opportunity to push forward their dark and evil agenda, and the attacks continued to occur in the region, including in Pakistan. Therefore, the ultimate choice of continuing our cooperation in the WOT rests with us. We can continue to indulge in the resentment, and allow our common enemies a free pass to continue their acts of terror. Or, we can redirect our attention to achieving our ultimate goal of stabilizing the region. Please keep in mind, our common enemies strongly wish and desire to see our alliance fall apart for the sake of achieving their evil objectives easily. The seriousness of the situation requires us to think logically for the sake of the region, and what’s beneficial for the safety of both nations. We’ve achieved great success together, and there is no doubt that together we can eliminate the threat that continues to linger over our nation. We reiterate what Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said to reporters a few days ago. The relationship between both the United States and Pakistan is crucial “to both of our countries, to the future of our people, to the safety and security of South Asia and the world; we recognize there have been significant challenges in recent months, but we are steadfastly committed to this relationship and working together to make it productive.”

MAJ Nevers,
DET, United States Central Command
www.Centcom.mil/Ur

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Re: Pakistan to resume full spectrum of ties with US: FO

^ the cooperation must not result in loss of honor of any 'ally', any ally committing a mistake should offer an apology to make the 'alliance' work... is US capable of that?

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Re: Pakistan to resume full spectrum of ties with US: FO

Lets leave aside taleban for a minute, as we know their ideology. Do you recognize the impact blatant disregard of sovereignty of an ally causes in the mind of ordinary people? Despite the countless statements of Pakistani leaders/military personnel during the past few months (even disregarding the resolutions passed in the National assembly), the drone attacks have continued. Maybe they would be effective in killing some low level insurgents but the impact that has in the rest of the population is not good.

The Americans are creating an image of an inconsiderate bully and willingly or unwillingly pushing the region to destabilization. These attacks not only create anger in Pakistani people towards the Americans but also towards their own military or government, resulting in a few suicide bombs here and there. But why would it concern the Americans, as the people killed in drone attacks as well as the consequence of suicide attacks are Pakistanis.

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Re: Pakistan to resume full spectrum of ties with US: FO

Dear Captain 1:

Together we have achieved great success in this WOT, and together we have survived the hardships that came along. The sacrifices made by both nations exemplify our resilience against terrorism. There is no doubt that we joined hands to achieve our common objectives in the region. It is only fair that we review all the details in case of a mishap to ensure that the same mistakes do not recur. It wouldn’t be fair to make it a one sided affair especially when the responsibility should be shared by both sides. The Salala incident will always be remembered as a tragic incident that severely tested our alliance. Our government officials at the highest level have repeatedly sent their deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family members and friends of those killed in the cross border attacks.

Please understand that, “The investigation has ascertained that a series of mistakes were made on both sides in failing to properly co-ordinate their locations and actions, both before the operation and during the resulting engagement.” Adding that the force did not knowingly fire at the Pakistani forces, Nato says “close air support was employed in self-defence in response to intense, heavy machine gun and mortar fire initiated by what turned out to be Pakistan forces near the border in the vicinity of Salala.” Nato also says that after a review of its operational plan and communications, it did not knowingly target the Pakistani forces, and Nato’s actions were “legitimate within the Laws of Armed Conflict and within their Rules of Engagement.” Nato added that they are working to improve liaison with the Pakistani forces, “we are determined to work harder to ensure these incidents do not occur.”

You can access the detailed investigation report by using this link below:

[http://www.centcom.mil/images/stories/Crossborder/report exsum further redacted.pdf](http://www.centcom.mil/images/stories/Crossborder/report exsum further redacted.pdf)

MAJ Nevers,
DET, United States Central Command
www.Centcom.mil/Ur

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Re: Pakistan to resume full spectrum of ties with US: FO

@captain1 congratulatians bro

martians contacted u......

u r first to experiance human side of CENTCOM

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Re: Pakistan to resume full spectrum of ties with US: FO

When is Pakistan apologizing for our trust and working with the terrorists while getting compensated for being a "frontline state ally" in the WoT?

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Re: Pakistan to resume full spectrum of ties with US: FO

^ Check your facts, Americans themselves are facilitating opening of Taleban's office in Qatar, that means that either they have been lying during the past 10 years (that they are the enemies, it wouldnt be surprising considering the lies before Iraq's war) or now they are trying to fool the people.

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Re: Pakistan to resume full spectrum of ties with US: FO

Pakistani parliamentary committee has put forward some recommendations for the future relations between the two countries according to which American trainers might be allowed back into the country according to foxnews.com.

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Re: Pakistan to resume full spectrum of ties with US: FO

**EXCLUSIVE: Pakistan official says US military will be allowed to return, but not CIA drones

**
U.S. military trainers will be invited back into Pakistan “as early as April or May,” but the nation has ruled out allowing CIA drones back into the country, Fox News has learned.

Relations between the two nations have been at an all-time low since 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed in an inadvertent aerial attack by NATO in November.

The Pakistani parliament is reviewing the nature of its relationship with the U.S., and politicians are expected on Jan. 30 to deliver a list of conditions for cooperation to resume.

The stipulations will include no covert CIA or military operations on the ground in Pakistan, and no unauthorized incursions into its airspace. Drones, which are the CIA’s biggest weapon against militants hiding in the tribal belt dividing Afghanistan and Pakistan, “can never return,” a senior Pakistani official told Fox News.

“They will never be allowed back, at Shamsi or anywhere else,” the official added, referring to the base in the country’s southwest from which many of the unmanned aerial vehicles were deployed before the NATO attack in November.

**In return, Pakistan would allow back U.S. military trainers, including special forces teams, and a resumption of close cooperation with the CIA in targeting militants who use the Pakistani side of the border as a safe haven and breeding ground for extremism. It would also reopen the Torkham and Chaman border crossings into Afghanistan, which have been closed to NATO supply convoys since the attack.

**“After this is presented to the Americans, a lot could happen very quickly,” the senior official told Fox News, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Islamabad also would reopen its doors to high-level U.S. diplomats after an embarrassing snub this week to President Obama’s special envoy to the region, Marc Grossman, who was denied his request to visit Pakistan in the middle of his tour of South Asia.

Pakistan says it wants working conditions with Washington that provide “respect for the nation, its sovereignty – both its soil and airspace – and equal terms of cooperation.” Government members have said publicly that there has never been equality in the relationship.

"We understand the government of Pakistan is still working on its review of U.S.-Pakistan relations, and we have not yet received a formal report from the government,” Pentagon spokesman Capt. John Kirby said in an emailed statement. “Decisions about the level of Pakistani commitment to our military relationship are obviously theirs to make, and we respect that.“We continue to desire a close military relationship with Pakistan. … We both have a fundamental interest in cooperation, in eliminating Al Qaeda’s ability to operate from Pakistan, and in ensuring a stable Afghanistan and stable region.”

Pakistan, especially its military, has been reeling since U.S. forces killed Usama Bin Laden in a raid in May. The raid, which sparked nationwide protests and stoked further anti-Americanism, and civilian casualties caused by drone attacks are considered by Pakistan to be flagrant violations of its sovereignty by an “arrogant” American government.

Pakistan’s foreign minister, Hina Rabbani Khar, said this week that ties “are on hold until we start re-engaging,” but Pakistan is now motivated by the U.S. elections to move forward swiftly in rebuilding trust between the countries. Islamabad fears that if foundation stones are not laid before presidential campaigning begins in earnest in the summer, it will not be able to renegotiate with Washington until the middle of next year.

But the senior official suggested there might be a benefit to waiting.

“We would prefer it if there was a Republican government again,” he said. “Pakistan has always done well with the Republicans. Historically, over the decades, we have always had difficulty doing business with the Democrats.”

The George W. Bush administration threw billions of dollars at Pakistan to fight Islamist extremists in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, when Pakistan was under the rule of the military dictator Pervez Musharraf. President Bush is said to have convinced Musharraf to leave office, allowing the country to become a democratic state, albeit a highly unstable one ever since.

**Under the Obama administration, “we have been getting mixed signals from State, the Pentagon and the CIA,” the official said. “None are on the same page. They do not know how to deal with us, which makes it difficult for us to deal with America.” He said that dealings over the past year with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have been “warmest [out of three] and friendly and she genuinely sympathized with the Pakistanis and reached out to the people.”

**But a gradual erosion of trust between Islamabad and Washington, brought about violence that Pakistan blames on the U.S. and by intransigence by the Pakistani security apparatus to wipe out key militants, has brought the relationship to a bitter impasse.

Congress has stalled much of the $2 billion Pakistan receives annually from the U.S. in civil and military aid, and Pakistan will struggle without its full resumption.

Next month it is due to repay $1.2 billion interest on a $7.6 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, which was deferred from last year. The government is expected to delay yet again amid a failed economy and poor foreign revenues.](EXCLUSIVE: Pakistan official says US military will be allowed to return, but not CIA drones | Fox News)