I just read this news on pakistan times,
US-Pakistan soon to enter into formal F16s sale Agreement
'Pakistan Times' Monitoring Desk
WASHINGTON (US): Now that U.S. administration's proposal for sale of F16s to Pakistan stands approved, both the countries are to enter into a formal agreement shortly, to be followed by start of delivery of the falcons, sources said.
Lockheed Martin is the company to provide the aircraft, and the update package.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on June 28 of its intent for sale to Pakistan of 36 new F-16s, and 26 refurbished jets, ammunition and update package worth up to $5 billion.
Describing sale of F16s to Pakistan, as "very important" to U.S. relationship "and to Pakistan's defence needs," Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia said that "we're moving ahead with the sale."
Mr. Richard Boucher said this to newsmen Thursday last, mentioning that working closely with Congress, difficulties have been overcome and procedures met. He was referring to completion of one month period of notification to Congress on July 28, which cleared the way for sale of F16s aircraft to Pakistan.
Besides the aircraft, whose exact number will be known once both the countries sign a formal agreement, expected shortly, the delivery of the jets would follow and completed in a few years. The proposal is also for ammunition, logistic support and updates.
"It would be upto Pakistan how many falcons it wants to purchase," sources state.
Pakistan had earlier delayed furnishing of purchase orders, earlier, due to the devastating October 8 earthquake, as it wanted to give due priority to task of relief and rehabilitation of the affectees.
Commenting on sale of F16s to Pakistan, Mark Tavlarides, a lobbyist for the country said: "it furthers the national security interests of both Pakistan and the United States," and that it was "a presidential priority- nd is part of the Bush administration's South Asia strategy, aimed at broadening its relationships with Pakistan, India and Afghanistan."
During the one month notification period, less than ten congressmen, out of a House of 435, statedly expressed their reservations over the F16s deal. Technically, the U.S. administration proposal stands approved, at midnight of July 28-29.
On July 20, a testimony was held at the Capitol Hill, convened by the House International Relations Committee, in which both the Pengaton as well as the State Department lent full support to sale of F16s to Pakistan.
Appearing before the full committee hearing, Pentagon official, Dr. John F. Hillen said "The sale will send a very clear signal of our commitment to a long-term relationship with Pakistan- a Major Non-NATO Ally since June 2004..." The Assistant Secretary of State, Political Military Affairs, said "a confident and secure Pakistan will be a more reliable partner for the United States."
This sale, he added was "a Presidential priority" and "a key element of the Administration’s South Asia strategy," unveiled in March 2005, aimed at broadening strategic relationships with our key regional partners – India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan."
"Pakistan’s outstanding support in the war on terror has not come without a cost to President Musharraf and the Pakistani people. Despite the cost, Pakistani counter-terrorism efforts have resulted in the death or capture of over 800 members of al-Qaeda, including many senior leaders."
In a written testimony, Assistant Secretary Boucher said U.S. Administration believes that it was in United States' "national interest" to proceed with the sale of F16s to Pakistan. Sale of F 16s, he added, provides "a clear and concrete signal" to all Pakistanis that Pakistan’s security "is important to the United States."
He said Pakistan was "a key country" and "a strategic partner in South Asia"-- a region of critical importance to the United States. The South Asian region, he added, was "one of our highest priorities in the War on Terror."
Mr. Boucher said: "A confident Pakistan that feels secure is more likely to pursue peace and cooperation with its neighbours," and added, United States was working with Pakistan "to establish the basis for a stable, broad-based relationship."
He also referred to high-level dialogues on energy, education, economics, science and technology, in the wake of President Bush’s March 4 visit to Islamabad. He referred to longterm and strategic relationship between both the countries.
While chairman Henry Hyde, expressed his reservations including those on "protocol and procedures" adopted by the U.S. administration in notifying the proposal, Rep. James A. Leach told the hearing that he was supportive "of the substantive case for providing this particular aircraft and related weapons systems to our close friends and allies in Pakistan."
The Congressman said, it was in line with "our desire to forge a stable, long-term relationship with Pakistan," as well as, "Islamabad's extensive cooperation in the campaign on terrorism." He said he believed "Washington must be sensitive to Pakistan's assessment that its air force needs significant upgrading and modernization."
Rep. Leach also said this proposed agreement would not materially impact the overall balance of power in South Asia."Indeed, given growing power disparities on the Subcontinent, it is possible that it may well have a stabilizing effect."●
http://www.pakistantimes.net/2006/08/02/top2.htm
secondly i like my glass to be full rather then half empty.
