Pakistan sets tough demands of US
Source: Agencies |
March 21, 2012, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
A PAKISTANI parliamentary commission demanded yesterday an end to American drone attacks inside the country and an apology for deadly US airstrikes in November as part of a review of its near-severed relations with Washington.
The commission was tasked with going over ties with Washington after errant airstrikes killed 24 Pakistani soldiers and led to the closure of US and NATO supply lines to Afghanistan.
Since November, US officials have cited the importance of the parliamentary review to the restoration of ties with Pakistan. Some have suggested they expect the supply lines to reopen once it was completed and the country had worked through its anger.
"The US must review its footprints in Pakistan," commission head Raza Rabbani said, reading the recommendations. "This means the cessation of drone strikes inside Pakistan."
This demand could complicate efforts to rebuild the relationship. But the commission didn't say the supply lines should be permanently closed, as many Pakistanis would like, rather that the government should charge the US and NATO more money for the privilege.
Washington wants to rebuild its relationship with Pakistan, whose cooperation is seen as key to the success of striking a deal with insurgents in neighboring Afghanistan. Also, the supply lines are important for supplying fuel and other non-lethal goods to troops
The commission was tasked with going over ties with Washington after errant airstrikes killed 24 Pakistani soldiers and led to the closure of US and NATO supply lines to Afghanistan.
Since November, US officials have cited the importance of the parliamentary review to the restoration of ties with Pakistan. Some have suggested they expect the supply lines to reopen once it was completed and the country had worked through its anger.
"The US must review its footprints in Pakistan," commission head Raza Rabbani said, reading the recommendations. "This means the cessation of drone strikes inside Pakistan."
This demand could complicate efforts to rebuild the relationship. But the commission didn't say the supply lines should be permanently closed, as many Pakistanis would like, rather that the government should charge the US and NATO more money for the privilege.
Washington wants to rebuild its relationship with Pakistan, whose cooperation is seen as key to the success of striking a deal with insurgents in neighboring Afghanistan. Also, the supply lines are important for supplying fuel and other non-lethal goods to troops
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