Pakistan: NATO supply deal looking more likelyExcerpted
Monday, July 2, 2012 | 9:13 a.m.
'U.S.
and Pakistani officials expressed optimism Monday that Islamabad was
close to reopening its Afghan border to NATO troop supplies after a
7-month blockade, a move that could significantly reduce tension between
the two countries.
The tussle over the supply line, which Pakistan closed in November in
retaliation for American airstrikes that killed 24 of its troops, has
driven the bilateral relationship to new lows, threatening U.S.
prospects in Afghanistan.''The latest trip was a prime example of how "quiet diplomacy can play a significant role to get things done," the official said.
The U.S. addressed Pakistan's demands for higher transit fees by sweetening the deal with extensive road construction projects, the American official said, without providing specific figures.
Before the November attack, Pakistan was charging the U.S. $250 per truck. Afterward, Pakistan demanded $5,000 and the U.S. countered with $500. It's unclear where the deal stands now.'
Pakistan: NATO supply deal looking more likely
BBC NOW REPORTS 3 July 2012 Last updated at 23:43 ET
'Islamabad confirmed it would not raise transit fees when the lines re-open. US officials say the existing charge of $250 (£160) per truck will not change - Washington had baulked at a Pakistani demand for $5,000 per container to let supplies flow again.' Pakistan allows Nato convoys to Afghanistan to resume
' Reports suggest the US may now release over $1bn in funding to Pakistan's military.'
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Background:
; According to a Pentagon report released in December, U.S. and Afghan
troops came under fire from across the Pakistani border while conducting
a night operation. After a show of force by U.S. aircraft launching
flares, the shooting continued, the report said, and the aircraft
attacked the enemy positions, killing 24 troops. Miscommunication and
reluctance by U.S. commanders to fully report troop positions to the
Pakistani military helped lead to the deaths, the report said.The report also concluded that the U.S. troops who did the fighting “acted in self defense and with appropriate force after being fired upon.”
The
Pentagon stands by the report, and Clinton’s statement that the United
States is sorry for the deaths of the Pakistani soldiers does not
contradict the earlier assessment, Pentagon spokesman Capt. John Kirby
said Tuesday.“None of this today changes what we previously said with respect to the incident,” Kirby said '
Pakistan reopens supply routes after Clinton says 'sorry'
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'The opening of the routes promises to save billions of dollars as the
U.S. prepares to draw down its presence in Afghanistan. The need to
bring supplies through northern routes and by air has added $100 million
a month in expenses, Panetta estimated last month' Pakistan reopens supply routes after Clinton says 'sorry' ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This alleged ally, that was hiding Osama Bin Laden for YEARS among other treachery, now extorts a toll while receiving billions in aid from our country. A great new deal for Pakistan, for attacking our troops. Well done Barack Obama Administration. The movie is some more history on the event, and the following links announce the new agreement and the response from the taliban.
U.S. talked with Pakistan before fatal airstrike killed 24 pakis 'on Afghan soil'
#pakistan #afghanistan #nato #supplyroute #tollroad #trollroad #trolls
Clinton apologizes to Pakistan for airstrike deaths, says supply lines to re-open
Clinton apologizes to Pakistan for airstrike deaths, says supply lines to re-open
7/03/2012
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton apologized Tuesday for the NATO airstrike that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers last year -- and announced that Pakistan has in turn agreed to re-open supply lines into Afghanistan that have been closed since the incident.MIRAMSHAH: The Pakistani Taliban threatened late Tuesday to attack Nato supply trucks and kill its drivers if they tried to resume supplies to troops in Afghanistan, a spokesman said
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