Doors open for negotiation with US on F-16 deal: Foreign Office
MATEEN HAIDER — PUBLISHED ABOUT AN HOUR AGO
ISLAMABAD: Negotiations regarding the funding of F-16 jets for Pakistan may still be possible with the United States (US), Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria said on Thursday.
"US Senator John McCain will be visiting Pakistan soon to meet top leadership," Zakaria said.
The F-16 deal was earlier put on hold after Washington asked Islamabad to foot the bill for the jets. Under an initial financing arrangement, the US was to pay about $430 million for the eight jets worth $699 million from Foreign Military Financing (FMF) funds, while the remaining cost was to be borne by Pakistan itself.
Islamabad rejected the idea of fully paying for the aircraft and refused to make any pledge unless the restriction on financing through FMF was lifted.
The Pakistani government was required to provide the Letter of Acceptance for purchase of the jets by May 24, but a diplomatic source revealed that the document was not issued, leading to expiry of the offer.
'Pakistan to join MTCR at appropriate time'
The FO spokesman said Pakistan would choose to become a part of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) at an ‘appropriate’ time.
Pakistan has a fairly advanced missile programme and has developed a number of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles and UAVs, but it has never sought membership of the MTCR, which theoretically could have facilitated its access to high-end missile technologies.
India, however, became the 35th member of the MTCR this week after a consensus emerged in the regime on admitting it into its fold.
'Asked for more evidence on Mumbai attacks'
Zakaria said that Pakistan has asked Indian authorities for more evidence regarding the Mumbai attacks so that Pakistan can pursue the case.
"Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry has written a letter to concerned authorities across the border and has demanded further details regarding the evidence linking Pakistan to the attacks," he said.
Foreign policy to be sorted out during envoys conference
Pakistan envoys have been called together for a meeting next month to discuss the rapidly changing scenario of international politics, the FO spokesman said.
The conference will also be used to devise a fitter strategy to deal with the future developments.
The development comes amidst criticism of the government's foreign policy by members of the opposition who claim that Pakistan is becoming isolated and needs to maintain good relations with neighbouring countries.
