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NATO `dumps` Pakistan from Chicago summit
Earlier news reports had suggested that Pakistan had decided to participate in the summit in spite of strained relations with the US.
Brussels: NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has now claimed that Pakistan has not been invited to the upcoming Chicago summit to be held on May 20-21.
Rasmussen also asked Pakistan for “immediate restoration” of the NATO supply routes, which were closed in the aftermath of the death of 24 Pakistani soldiers on November 26 in a NATO attack, reports The News. The announcement comes after a US Congressional Committee passed a bill imposing conditions on Pakistan for receiving American economic and military aid. The bill seeks certification from the Defence Secretary that Pakistan is committed to supporting counter terrorism operations in the country, and also prohibits the preferential procurement of goods or services from Pakistan till Islamabad re-opens the NATO supply routes. According to earlier news reports, Pakistan had decided to participate in the summit in spite of strained relations with the US. The Daily Times had earlier reported that Pakistan agreed to take part in the summit on the special invitation of US President Barack Obama. Sources had also revealed that Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari would meet Obama during the visit and request for financial aid to strengthen the country`s economy. The Chicago summit will be the biggest NATO summit in history, with more than 60 countries and organisations represented.
ANI
Rasmussen also asked Pakistan for “immediate restoration” of the NATO supply routes, which were closed in the aftermath of the death of 24 Pakistani soldiers on November 26 in a NATO attack, reports The News. The announcement comes after a US Congressional Committee passed a bill imposing conditions on Pakistan for receiving American economic and military aid. The bill seeks certification from the Defence Secretary that Pakistan is committed to supporting counter terrorism operations in the country, and also prohibits the preferential procurement of goods or services from Pakistan till Islamabad re-opens the NATO supply routes. According to earlier news reports, Pakistan had decided to participate in the summit in spite of strained relations with the US. The Daily Times had earlier reported that Pakistan agreed to take part in the summit on the special invitation of US President Barack Obama. Sources had also revealed that Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari would meet Obama during the visit and request for financial aid to strengthen the country`s economy. The Chicago summit will be the biggest NATO summit in history, with more than 60 countries and organisations represented.
ANI