National sovereignty more important than aid, Gilani tells Kerry

National sovereignty is more important than aid for us, said Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to US senator John Kerry here on Monday.
During his busy schedule in Islamabad, Kerry met separately with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani on Monday.
According to a private television channel, PM Gilani said during meeting with Senator Kerry “we will not compromise on national sovereignty at any cost and American unilateral secret operation in Abbotabad for killing Osama bin Laden has undermined our national dominion.”
He added that the bilateral relations between the US and Pakistan should be trustworthy and equal.
PM Gilani pointed out that Pakistan regards ties with US but they should be on equal terms. Kerry underlined the need to improve the relations between the two countries.
US Senator John Kerry Monday called on President Asif Ali Zardari also and exchanged views with Pakistan government leaders over Pak-US bilateral ties in aftermath of the US special forces raid in Abbottabad that killed Osama bin Laden.
President Asif Ali Zardari also hosted luncheon in the honour of Senator John Kerry.
US Ambassador in Islamabad Cameron Munter, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar and other top officials were also present during the meeting.
Senator Kerry’s ongoing visit of Pakistan carries great significance as Obama administration is pressing hard on Pakistan after Osama’s killing while Pakistani people and leaders are also very angry over secret US operation on its soil and changing attitude of the Americans after termination of Al-Qaeda chief.