Pakistan PM Suggests Road-map For Re-engagement With US

Islamabad, April 19, IRNA – Pakistan PM Yusuf Raza Gilani has said a road-map for re-engagement with United States, negotiation of new terms of engagement and transparency in US diplomatic and intelligence footprint in Pakistan are country’s fundamental policy parameters. Addressing top military and civilian leaders Prime Minister Gilani also said that strengthening of border security and non-use of Pakistan’s territory for attacks on other countries and expulsion of all foreign fighters from Pakistan’s territory are also part of the foreign policy guidelines. The Defense Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) discussed conditions for resumption of the Ground Lines of Communication (GLOCs) with the US, joint counter-terrorism cooperation and greater inter-agency coordination, officials said. The DCC’s meeting was convened to consider the recommendations of the Parliament that were finalized on April 12th, which sought US apology over NATO air raid on Pakistani posts and killing of 24 soldiers in November. The meeting decided that a work plan may be developed for effective implementation of the Parliamentary guidelines based on Pakistan’s national interests. 'The message from the Parliament – Yes to partnership but not at the cost of our sovereignty, carefully calibrate the roadmap of the engagement,' the Prime Minister maintained. It was agreed that the Parliamentary review and oversight would not only give public ownership to the country’s foreign and security policies but also help strengthen the hands of the government in dealing with the international community of great national importance. The Prime Minister stated relations with the US/NATO/ISAF were put on hold until the Parliament took a clear position on how to proceed forward under the new terms of engagement. 'In my view parliamentary review and oversight would not only give public ownership to our foreign and security policies but also help strengthen the hands of the government in dealing with the international community on issues of greater national importance'. He said the exercise has given the nation a unique opportunity to set right Pakistan's bilateral relationship with the United States on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interest. The Prime Minister stated, the US-Pakistan bilateral relationship is an important one and 'we must be mindful of our national interest and uphold our territorial integrity and national sovereignty'. The DCC strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Kabul and other Afghan cities and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned inclusive peace and reconciliation process./end