SORRY: Magic word reopens NATO supplies

By
fraaz
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55
172

Pakistan on Tuesday announced it would re-open the supply routes to NATO forces in Afghanistan after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Washington was sorry for the losses suffered by Pakistan Army in an errant airstrike last November 26 on a border checkpost along the border with Afghanistan.
The US had earlier refused to apologise for the mistaken attack – contending there were errors on both sides – but Clinton broke that impasse in a phone call with Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar. “We are sorry for the losses suffered by the Pakistani military,” Clinton told Khar, a statement issued by the State Department said. “We are committed to working closely with Pakistan and Afghanistan to prevent this from ever happening again.” The deal re-opening the so-called ground lines of communication – GLOCs – also had face-saving gestures by both sides: Pakistan agreed not to increase its tolls for such shipments, and the US agreed it would not ship lethal aid via the routes unless it is intended for Afghan security forces.
But a US official asking not to be named told AFP that Washington will release about $1.1 billion to Pakistan as part of the deal. The money, from a US “coalition support fund” designed to reimburse Pakistan for the cost of counter-insurgency operations, had been withheld due to tensions between the two countries and Islamabad’s closure of the supply routes.
The coalition support fund is often the subject of wrangling between US and Pakistani officials, with Islamabad’s claims often rejected and smaller sums approved by Washington for reimbursement. The $1.1 billion that will be freed up under the border deal does not include large sums that Pakistan says it is owed, said the US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“This is the amount that has been approved and already gone through the process,” the US official told AFP. But Pakistan’s decision not to charge transit fee from the US raised many eyebrows in the country as Islamabad had been demanding a heavy tax on each NATO truck passing through the country. The US has termed the decision Pakistan’s commitment to peace efforts in Afghanistan.
“I once again reiterate our deepest regrets for the tragic incident in Salala last November. I offer our sincere condolences to the families of the Pakistani soldiers who lost their lives. Foreign Minister Khar and I acknowledged the mistakes that resulted in the loss of Pakistani military lives. We are sorry for the losses suffered by the Pakistani military,” Clinton said. The chief US diplomat struck a number of notes of interest to Pakistan in the statement, including respect for Pakistani sovereignty, enduring partnership, appreciation for Pakistani sacrifices and cooperation in trade and development areas. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Sherry Rehman, who had been reaching out to American lawmakers to convey her country’s perspective on various issues, appreciated Clinton’s statement and hoped that “bilateral ties can move to a better place from here”.
“I am confident that both countries can agree on many critical issues, especially on bringing peace to the region,” Sherry said in a statement released by the embassy. “Today, as we announce the opening of the GLOC, I am glad that this breakthrough is not part of any transaction. We are playing our role as responsible global partner in stabilising the region.” Earlier in the day, the Defence Committee of Cabinet (DCC) in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf made the crucial decision of reopening ground supply lines of communication (GLOCs) into Afghanistan for NATO troops. Following the meeting, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira announced the DCC decision during a press talk. “Keeping in view the statement by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton …. the DCC in principle has decided to reopen GLOCs … No transit fee would be charged against the NATO supplies as financial gains were never a consideration for Pakistan. Rather, we wanted the world community to respect our sovereignty,” Kaira said. A source told Pakistan Today that the DCC had decided to accept the US regret offered by Secretary Clinton despite the fact that Secretary Clinton did not use the word “apologise” – a demand Pakistan had been making as a precondition for NATO routes’ reopening.
The DCC also decided that no lethal cargo will go into Afghanistan through Pakistan except equipment for Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) essential for ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan. The DCC stressed that it was in Pakistan’s interest to support the transition and the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism for the sake of a secure future for Pakistan.
The DCC also reiterated Pakistan’s stance on drones and agreed to continue to engage the US on counterterrorism cooperation and counterterrorism tools that were in line with international law and practice. Addressing the DCC, Prime Minister Ashraf said the continued closure of supply lines was not only damaging relations with the US, but also Pakistan’s ties with 49 other member states of NATO/ISAF. Pentagon chief Leon Panetta welcomed the move, saying the United States remained “committed to improving our partnership with Pakistan and to working closely together as our two nations confront common security challenges in the region”. Sources said prior to the decision, ISAF commander General John Allen had held talks in Islamabad twice in the last six days, and offered a private and personal soft apology to Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Kayani, which the army chief had politely rejected, calling it insufficient. General John Allen also praised Pakistan’s decision to allow supplies to NATO forces. “I look forward to future opportunities to work together toward our common goals, by taking coordinated action against terrorists,” he said.

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55 COMMENTS

  3. ”Corrupt people have been put in positions of power and authority………….Not good. Not good at all………………I am coming back. My country needs me. My home needs me. My people need me. The Ummah needs me………….I am coming back.”

    -Faith

    • .
      Bill wants to put his head on your shoulder and cry. Hope your wife won't mind …
      .

  8. Let us draw a line under this tragic episode. Being sorry and condoling is enough under the circumstances. Let us not be Merchant of Venice. My only regret is that why did USA took so long to acknowledge what was obvious. To err is human / to forgive is divine.

    • .
      Time well spent …
      .
      'US President' have to apologize ……….. >>>> niet
      $5,000 per container …………. >>>>> pas du tout (in no way)
      no drones ………….. >>>> meer van (more of it)
      $4 billion due on signing ………… >>>>>>> $800 million قسط پر
      .
      And the northern route contingency ………… >>>>>> ja (yeeessss)
      .

    • This was no error. It was a deliberate attack to test Pakistan's resolve after General Kiyani had told the Americans that no border incursions will be acceptable.

      US knew exactly what it was doing and it was a sinister act on their part. With friends like these, who needs enemies?

      However, time to move for Pakistan and put some sense into the Americans that Afghanistan solution will be reached by dialogue, not war. Pakistan needs to play an active role in bringing peace in Afghanistan.

      • i agree with part of your last paragraph. we have been actively engaged in Afghanistan since 1979. What have we achieved? Destruction of Pakistan itself. It is time to leave Afghanistan alone and let it decide it,s own destiny. Let us save Pakistan from selv inflicted wounds.We should be neither a part of the solution nor a part of the problem. Do you really think afghanis trust us after all what has happened. Let us not import further violence.

        • I agree with you. However, American policy in Afghanistan is heading to disaster as they have filled Afghan Armed Forces with 2/3rd from Northern Alliance areas and 75% officers from same areas. If this continues, then as soon US withdraws, Pashtuns will attack them and civil will once again result in millions of refugees coming to Pakistan.

          General Kiyani is right that US must talk to all parties including Taliban and come to agreement so that all Afghans feel empowered and not sidelined. Pakistan's contribution has to be to bring all Taliban factions to the table.

          After all parties come to an agreement, Pakistan should get the hell out of Afghanistan and let the Afghans determine their own future.

          • Bonn agreement did bring all the parties together. Hamid Karzai was first selected by the Americans and got elected by all the parties concerned. What has happened since then? Pakistan got sucked inn and we are reaping the fruits of our illconceived intervention in the steets of pakistan. You are looking for a pie in the sky!
            We should not follow a outdated foreign policy which is unfortunately in the hands of novices. Whether afghanis agree or not it is none of our business. Our interest stops at Durrand Line.

          • You read my mind quarectly. I have several times said in these very columns that that concept of strategic depth belongs to the calcified past. Any country which relies on another for it,s survival does not deserve to exist. Do you think Afghanis will allow it. But we are very willing to allow this to them. Any body who is adherent of above concept needs his head examined.

  9. what pakistan gained for all this time of preservance and resistance has been nulled.atleast,the vehicles moving on pakistan soil should have been descently charged.

  10. "Foreign Minister Khar and I acknowledged the mistakes that resulted in the loss of Pakistani military lives," Clinton said in a statement.

    This is no apology, rather apportionment of blame on both sides. Pakistan had demanded a public apology, if a private apology was good enough, that could have happened eight months ago, then why close the route for so long.

    It seems the US Administration has managed to hoodwink this rather incompetent and corrupt Pakistan Government into accepting virtually no apology and no fee for containers. Over ten years, US has spent $1 trillion in Afghanistan and only $20 billion in Pakistan. What about the damage caused to our infrastructure, who will pay for that – the people of Pakistan? Why?????

  11. At last beggars and slaves wins and poor nation failed.Thats true history repeats its self especially in Pakistan but nation wouldn't wake up and taught lesson from past.now zardari ghadari ,raja mental and their team should cheers for selling their country and nation.

  14. No Pakistani demand was met. There was no "apology". There was only a "regret" of what happened. US did not accept ay balme for the attack. Begger nation loses once again. No wonder a US General said recently that Pakistanis would sell their own mothers for a few dollars. Here is the proof. Kiayani is a snake. There has never ever been a more coward soldier in the military history of the world.. Shame on the people of Pakistan for putting up with such leaders, political and military.

  16. ''Corrupt people have been put in positions of power and authority………….Not good. Not good at all………………I am coming back. My country needs me. My home needs me. My people need me. The Ummah needs me………….I am coming back.''

    -Faith

  17. Bahaal Kerni Tu Nahe Chaye Lakin Ye Waqt Kisi Kisam Ki Mahaz Aaraye Ka Bhe Nahe Hy !

    Tamaaam Fayslay Qoomi Maffadaaat Ko Madd E Nazer Rakhtay Hoye Kiye Janay Chaye !
    Neto Suply 8 Months Bund Bhe Tu Rakhi Gaye Hy !

    I Think Neto Suply Line Ki Bahaali Ka Faysla Qoomi Maffad May Hy !

    Ab Daykhna Ye Hy K Khuda Na Khwasta Ager Next Time Koe A Sa Waqiya Hooaa Tu Pak Fooj Ka Kiya " REACTION " Hooga !

  20. i feel bad for good ol bill… having to deal with this pain in the ass everyday no wonder he went for an overweight ugly intern.

  21. Now Pakistan government should learn some lesson from the Americans and apologize to all Pakistanis for inflation, deteriorating law and order and load-shedding.

  22. END OF PHASE 1: NOW HAND OVER THE COMMANDER WHO GAVE THE ORDERS TO REPEATEDLY BOMB THE BASE

  23. I wonder what General Allen said to kiayani to convince him to back down from his stand? Probably told him that he would shove his rod in him again if he didn't back down. If kiayani was patriotic, he would have just endured a little pain for the sake of the country.

  24. Good enough. Sorry is a very powerful word.

    It took time coming but at least the ruffled feathers can be smoothed down finally.

  25. There is a huge difference between APOLOGY what was demanded from US, and SORRY FOR LOSS OF LIVES. Even any third person who is not involved can feel sorry for any incident………… But at the end of the day we must realize that beggars cannot be choosers !!!

  27. welcome move . Pakistan should not isolate itself from international community as Taliban want us to do. 1.5 Billion dollars will help stabilize payments to be made for debt servicing and meet electricity shortage. Politicians should not play to gallery and should not be emotional in foreign relations. Bravo to all ISI Chief, Army Chief, PM, Foreign Minister and the President.

  28. It is good that 'Ego' has been subdued by both sides. It is a positive development for the region.

  29. Beggers can't be choosers !!! Atleast we all know what our sh*T govt is made of !!! Dollaaas b*t*hes !!!

  30. is this a joke…do you have any idea what selfrespect means…if u had that…pakistan wont have got to such a pass

  32. It is the US strategy to install corrupt and stupid idiots to run the affair of our country so that they can maneuver their game plan by carrot and stick approach. When the entire nation stand up to defy them, then they start bullying by aid cut off tactics. It is time to get rid of these NRO imposed corrupt rulers and their Aid in any form. We as a nation have lot of potential to overcome all our problems and excel in world of nations by choosing an honest, hard working, dedicated, selfless team to take over the affairs of this country. Only way forward is 'VOTE THEM OUT'

    • .
      Don't blame US. When 'corrupt and stupid idiots' are in absolute majority, that's the leadership you install yourself …

  33. Mr ASIF ALI ZARDARI was given two choices! one to open the nato supply routes or his ''Masters'' will open the cell-door next to Ex- President Noriega of Panama in Florida, And he will lose all his assets presently floating in safe-havens. Another funny thing FOXNEWS reported about the apology from the ''Lady that dodged bullets in Bosnia!''

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