Pakistan and the United States are dealing with difficult and complicated issues and that is why their resolution is taking time, Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Ahmad Khan said on Thursday.
To questions at the weekly news briefing in Islamabad, Khan said both sides wanted to resolve the issues, as they were aware that their relationship was important and critical for the stability and prosperity of the region.
The FO spokesman said there were several issues that were being discussed in the light of the recommendations of parliament. “These issues have become complicated, particularly after the Salala incident and both sides are trying to bring their relationship back on track,” he said.
Asked about the issue of charges for the NATO supply routes, Khan said he would not go into the specifics but there were other issues bigger than the supply routes issue that were being discussed.
When his attention was drawn towards the statement of the US secretary of defence about the so-called safe havens in Pakistan, the FO spokesman said Pakistan had repeatedly maintained that it was fighting against terrorism and extremism in its own national interest. “Pakistan has also made it clear that it will not allow any sanctuary or save havens and will also not allow its territory to be used for another country. Similarly, Pakistan expects that other countries will not allow their soil to be used against Pakistan.”
To a question about the alleged delay in issuance of visas to US officials by the Pakistani embassy in Washington, the FO spokesman said all requests for visas went through a process, which took some time and so it was normal practice.
He said talks between Pakistan and India on the Sir Creek issue would take place in New Delhi on June 18 and 19.
The foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries would be held in New Delhi next month, which would be followed by a meeting of the foreign ministers in Pakistan.
He said the leadership of Pakistan and India had underscored the importance of resolving all the issues in a result-oriented and sustained manner.
