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| Pak seeks US mediation for resumption of dialogue with India |
| Rezaul H Laskar/PTI / Islamabad Oct 29, 2009, 12:02 IST |
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The US has said it will support all efforts for the early resumption of the Composite Dialogue between India and Pakistan as Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani appealed to it to enhance his country's defence capability to "maintain balance of power" in the region.
During a meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Gilani called on the US to mediate "between Pakistan and India on core interests i.e. Kashmir (and) water issues as well as help Pakistan enhance its defence capability to maintain balance of power," said a statement issued by the premier's office here last night.
The statement quoted Clinton as commending Gilani "for his stance of reconciliation and the desire for improving relations with India through resolution of all outstanding issues by resuming the composite dialogue".
She said that while she is aware that "it is a difficult process, the US government would support efforts for early resumption of the composite dialogue".
India put the composite dialogue on hold in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks and linked the resumption of the peace process to action being taken against the perpetrators of the assault.
Clinton arrived here this afternoon on her maiden visit to Pakistan for talks with the top leadership on the ongoing war on terror and bilateral cooperation. Pakistani officials have expressed concern about recent big ticket defence deals concluded by India, saying they alter the balance of power in the region.
Pakistan has also called on the US to provide it sophisticated military equipment needed for the war on terror, but India has said such weapons could be used against it.
Gilani also said the US should ensure the early reimbursement of Pakistan's expenses on the war on terror through the Coalition Support Fund and Counter-Insurgency Capabilities Fund.
He called on the US to expedite the replenishment of urgently needed military hardware to strengthen the hands of Pakistan's armed forces in the ongoing operation against the Taliban.
Pakistan wants to build a long-term and stable partnership with the US "based on mutual trust and respect", he said and urged the US administration to support it by enhancing bilateral trade through increased market access rather than aid.
"The US should start negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with Pakistan," he said, adding that financial aid from America should be routed through the government system.
While informing Clinton about progress in the operations against the Taliban in Waziristan, Gilani said the civil and defence leadership and all political forces were fully united behind the campaign, reflecting the "firm resolve to root out evil forces from Pakistan's territory".
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