NATO supply issue linked with 48 countries, not just US: Gilani
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s relationship with 48 countries serving in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) cannot be put on stake just because of the US, said Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Monday.
While indicating a possible shift in the policy towards Nato supply routes, Gilani said, “this is not a matter of one country, the issue of Nato supply is linked with 48 countries.”
The prime minister was speaking to the media after addressing a visiting 100-member youth delegation from China at the Prime Minister House.
Gilani was of the view that “talks between Pakistan and the US are going on regarding the resumption of Nato supplies in the light of parliament’s recommendations, but ties with Nato-Isaf and the US should be settled through dialogue on an undeviating basis.”
Gilani voiced that Pakistan desires good relations with the entire international community including its neighbouring countries.
The prime minister’s statement endorsed the given earlier by Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar.
Khar was the first official from Pakistan who hinted towards a green signal to reopen the Nato supply route five months after its closure, saying Pakistan would be the one to suffer more if the supplies remain suspended for an indefinite time span.
Last week, Secretary General Nato Andres Fogh Rasmussen had opined that Pakistan should restore the supply route and he also declared that Pakistan had not been listed among the countries invited to attend the Chicago Summit.
Pakistan had closed down supply routes for the Nato forces in Afghanistan after a fatal attack on a bordering check post of the Pakistan army in Mohmand on November 26. The attack had left at least 24 Pakistani soldiers dead.
Earlier during the day, Gilani apprised President Asif Ali Zardari on his UK visit, in which the president lauded the premier’s efforts of getting a positive outcome of the visit.
The president articulated his sheer confidence that Gilani’s visit will further strengthen the bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
The two leaders also discussed the impending restoration of Nato supply routes and also discussed the overall political situation in the country.
WE ALL SHOULD PROTEST AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT IF NATO SUPPLIES RE- OPEN
