The Hindu : Pak. seeks resumption of defence ties with U.S.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jul 25, 2002

International

International

Pak. seeks resumption of defence ties with U.S.

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD JULY 24. Pakistan today appealed to the United States to consider issues relating to release of withheld defence items, resumption of defence cooperation in various fields including procurement of equipment and training and military-to-military cooperation.

The Pakistan Defence Secretary, Hamid Nawaz Khan, made the appeal when Jeffery Paulk, leader of the U.S. delegation, called on him this morning. The delegation is here in connection with the two-day Pre-Defence Consultative Group meeting being held in Rawalpindi.

Invoking the Pressler Amendment related to non-proliferation, Washington in mid-1990s had suspended supply of F-16s and spare parts for some defence equipment. In the case of F-16s, Pakistan had even made the payment but the U.S. had expressed its helplessness in the matter and asked Islamabad to consider import of soyabean.

Pakistan appears thrilled at the prospect of resumption of dialogue on defence related matters with the U.S. towards the end of the year. The dialogue was suspended four years ago after Pakistan went nuclear in May 1998. The decision to revive the Defence Consultative Group was taken on Tuesday at a meeting between the U.S. delegation and the Musharraf Government.

It has not yet been decided where and when the talks would be held.

The renewed dialogue is the outcome of Pakistan's decision to join the U.S.-led coalition against international terrorism.

The resumption of talks was first announced during the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf's visit to Washington in February.

Mr. Khan told Mr. Paulk today that the re-establishment of DCG was an appropriate mechanism not only to revitalise the bilateral ties but also to institutionalise defence ties with the U.S.

Such a platform was essential to ensure long-term defence cooperation through meaningful DCG process.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

Stories in this Section

W. ASIA: A spiral of violence feared

Blair warns IRA

U.S. hails Pak. role in anti-terror campaign

Pak. seeks resumption of defence ties with U.S.

MPs come to blows in Sri Lankan Parliament

Russia worried by U.S. film onslaught

Indo-Pak. tensions to figure in Russia-U.S. talks

Memorial for first flight in U.K. rededicated

Sri Lankan peace process gaining momentum: Ranil

Pak. court defends eligibility criteria

Rules for Pak. political parties notified