Washington: Apparently hinting at a
nuclear deal, Pakistan today sought access to vital energy
resources in a "non-discriminatory" manner from the US, which
promised to help Islamabad in meeting its "urgent energy
needs".
Opening the first US-Pak strategic dialogue here with
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Pakistan Foreign Minister
Shah Mehmood Qureshi also harped on the Kashmir issue asking
the US to "constructively engage" in the process of its
peaceful resolution with India.
Qureshi, who is leading the Pakistani delegation that
also includes Army Chief Gen Kayani, also sought "non-
discriminatory" access to vital energy resources.
"We hope non-discriminatory access to vital energy
resources will also be made available to us, so that we too
can pursue our economic and industrial development plans,"
Qureshi said.
In her remarks, Clinton said the would help Pakistan
in all issues, including meeting "urgent energy needs."
Pakistan has been demanding a nuclear deal with the US
similar to the one Washington has with India. But, the US has
been taking the demand coolly due to proliferation concerns.
However, in the run up to the talks, the US has been
indicating that it would consider the demand for a nuclear
cooperation.
Bringing the issue of Kashmir, Qureshi said "Pakistan
will continue to seek a peaceful resolution of all outstanding
disputes in South Asia including Kashmir. We hope the United
States will maintain its constructive engagement to encourage
this process."
The Pakistani Foreign Minister pledged support for
action against extremism but also said that Pakistan had key
wishes from the United States.
"Pakistan is committed to doing its part to facilitate
the world community`s effort for peace and stability in
Afghanistan. We hope the world community will be equally
responsive to our legitimate concerns and help advance common
interests," he said.
Clinton said she wanted to speak directly to the
people of Pakistan and acknowledged that the two nations
"have had our misunderstandings and disagreements in the
past."
"There are sure to be more disagreements in the
future, as there are between any friends or, frankly, any
family members... But this is a new day. For the past year,
the Obama administration has shown in our words and deeds a
different approach and attitude toward Pakistan," Clinton, who
was seen effusively clapping at the end of Qureshi`s remarks,
said.
Earlier, Hillary Clinton pledged full support to Pakistan in its growing action against extremism, saying: "Its struggles are our struggles."
A "new day" has begun in their relationship, she said, noting: "For the past year, the Obama administration has shown in our words and deeds a different approach and attitude toward Pakistan."
Neither Clinton nor Quershi outlined specific programmes, but media reports have suggested that Pakistan is bringing to the table a long wish list, including an India-type civil nuclear deal and a direct Washington role in reviving the peace process with New Delhi.
Though the State Department declined to acknowledge that Pakistan had made the demands in a 56-page document sent to the US ahead of Wednesday`s talks, the Wall Street Journal citing unnamed American officials suggested it was an implicit offer to crack down in return on the Afghan Taliban.
-Agencies` inputs
