Certain hurdles, like no conclusion of negotiations by ministries and related departments in addition to the question of the controversy of apology by the US, are delaying finalization of the restoration of NATO supply, official sources said.
Despite hectic efforts by the US and Pakistan, division between the two countries are looming over opening up of the what is being termed as Ground Lines of Communication (GLOCs) to allow supplies to the NATO in Afghanistan.
Sources in Finance and Foreign Affairs Ministries said talks on the restoration of NATO supply were not yet completed. In line with the instruction from Defence Committee of the Cabinet, ministries have to conclude talks on reopening NATO route.
Diplomatic sources said though the opening the route for the US mission’s shipments on Friday was perceived as start of the restoration of the supplies to Afghanistan, but resolving the issues doesn’t seem as easy as it is perceived.
However, the US embassy spokesman Mark Stroh said that it was not wise to discuss the negotiations in public, adding, “Talks on the issue of reopening NATO route between the US and Pakistan are moving forward.”
Diplomatic sources, who urged not disclosing their identities, said before President Zardari departed for the NATO summit, Pakistan had made it clear that all negotiations with the US and pertaining to reopening NATO route would be held in the light of the parliamentary recommendations.
The refusal by Obama administration to tender apology has also caused a delay in the restoration.
The US is also reluctant to meet financial demand by Islamabad. In an interview, Defence Secretary Leon E Panetta ruled out paying Pakistan $5000 for each truck carrying supplies across to Afghanistan via its territory.
“As decided by the Defence Committee of the Cabinet, negotiations on NATO supply, question of apology, fresh border ground rules and cessation of drone attacks are being carried out in a transparent manner,” a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry stated.
The parliament in clear recommendations demanded unconditional apology over the incident of the US-led NATO airstrike on Salala checkpost and cessation of drone attacks. A few days ago, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar also expressed Pakistan’s intention to tax the supply to Afghanistan for coalition forces.
The sources informed that the cost of the supplies and logistics that are being transported to Afghanistan for NATO was being incurred by the US.
The source said that the possibility was there that the US would be ready for a sort of apology and Pakistan for lowering the amount demanded per NATO container. Dr Riffat Hussain, well-known analyst, said the restoration of NATO supply was likely to be decided after the Chicago Summit, probably in 10-15 days.
“Apology has now become irrelevant and Americans have a different view on drone attacks.
