Pak, US 'agree' on new framework on NATO supplies, military reimbursements

Islamabad, Apr 5(ANI): Pakistan and the United States have agreed to introduce a new framework on two key issues- NATO supplies and military reimbursements in their ties.

A new framework will cover military compensation for Pakistan troops fighting the war on terror and the price to be charged for NATO containers supplying goods to troops stationed in Afghanistan, and for the pullout of heavy equipment during coalition forces' withdrawal from the country in 2014.

Formal negotiations on the proposed framework, will, however begin after the Pakistan parliament passes the new terms of engagements with the US, an official said.

He also described the talks between Pakistan Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and US Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Nides as "substantive, robust and a step in the right direction."

Nides urged Pakistan to adopt a balanced approach in its review of ties with the US.

"We believe that we can achieve a balanced approach in a relationship that respects Pakistan's sovereignty and interests but also represents our concerns about our national security. Too much is at stake for us to turn away from each other, so we must work through all of these challenges," The Express Tribune quoted Nides, as saying.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told Nides that US-Pak ties "must be based on mutual respect and mutual interest."

"We can achieve our objective - peace and stability in the region and Afghan reconciliation - through greater cooperation and on the basis of mutual trust," Gilani was quoted as saying. (ANI)