Washington needs to respect certain red lines

Pakistan has made it clear to the US that Washington has to observe certain red lines that require respect for its territorial sovereignty under the new terms of engagement. This was conveyed to the visiting Assistant Secretary of State, Thomas Nides, during a delegation-level talk with Pakistani side led by Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on Wednesday.
Nides conveyed to the Pakistani side: "Too much is at stake for us to turn away from each other, so we must work through all of these challenges". His visit to Pakistan is preceded by the visit of two top US military leaders, Centcom chief General James Mattis and the US commander of ISAF forces in Afghanistan General John Allen, who met with Army Chief Ashfaq Pervez Kayani on March 28 in Rawalpindi.
"The two delegations exchanged views on the whole gamut of bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest," said a statement issued following the meeting, adding that the Foreign Minister briefed the US side on the parliamentary process under way for new terms of engagement with the United States.
The Foreign Minister said the democratic government of Pakistan wanted the voice and aspirations of the people of Pakistan reflected in the country's foreign policy. She stressed that the parliamentary process was the key in achieving Pakistan's foreign policy objectives which included security and economic prosperity of the country.
"Foreign Minister Khar reiterated Pakistan's position on issues of national interest and respect for Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity," said the statement. She also highlighted the human and economic sacrifices made by Pakistan, stressing that Pakistan's co-operation with the international community in achieving the shared objectives was on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interest.
"The United States fully respects the parliamentary process and reaffirmed US government's desire to re-engage with Pakistan," the statement quoted the US assistant secretary of State as telling the Pakistani side during the talks. He also appreciated Pakistan's positive and constructive role in bringing peace and stability in the region. He said the US recognised the need to work with Pakistan to find the way forward in bilateral relations.
Later in a joint statement with Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, the US Assistant Secretary of State said: "I'm very pleased to be here at this pivotal time between the United States and Pakistan to engage in discussions about the future of this very, very important relationship. I am here to build upon the important conversations that have taken place over the last 10 days - including between President Zardari and Ambassador Grossman in Dushanbe and between President Obama with Prime Minister Gilani in Seoul."
Referring to President Obama's statement, he reiterated that the US believed that both the countries could achieve a balanced approach in a relationship "that respects Pakistan's sovereignty and interests but also represents our concerns about our national security."
"We are committed to the people of Pakistan. And, we recognise how challenging this past year has been. And, I am heartened that we are working through our differences very constructively," he added. Nides said a sustained engagement was the most productive way forward, and a hallmark of the way in which mature democracies operate. "Too much is at stake for us to turn away from each other, so we must work through all of these challenges," he asserted.
Referring to Pakistan's new terms of engagement, he said the completion of the parliamentary review offered an important opportunity to ensure the relationship was enduring, strategic and more clearly defined. "We have different perspectives. And we will where we have those, seek to find solutions that respect each others' interests. I believe we will come out of this with a relationship that benefits both our nations," he added.
He said the US shared an interest in the stability and prosperity of Pakistan and the region. The US shared the goal of growing it markets and increasing trade; and the desire for a stable, secure, and peaceful Afghanistan; and the belief in a strong, responsible civilian government, he added.
Acknowledging Pakistan's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, Nides said the war had claimed so many innocent lives-Pakistani lives in particular. "And so, I bring a consistent message for the Pakistani people: We greatly appreciate your support and sacrifice," he maintained.
Jalil Abbas Jilani said the visit of the US assistant secretary of State is taking place at a critical juncture when a parliamentary process was underway to work out recommendations for engagements with the US, Nato and ISAF. He said the US being the "oldest democracy" appreciated the importance of the parliamentary review which would then become the basis of Pakistan's foreign policy.
"Pakistan considers its relations with the US as important in terms of bilateral, regional and international contexts," he said, adding that the ties had been under strains for the several months due to the divergence of views on a number of issues, including the Salala checkpost incident. Describing the delegation-level talk as candid and fruitful, Jilani said the Pakistan's side reiterated its position with regard to certain red lines that required respect for its territorial sovereignty.
He, however, also reiterated Islamabad's commitment to fighting terrorism and extremism, saying it would continue to play a constructive role for the establishment of peace and security in the region. Referring to Afghan reconciliation process, he said the Pakistan side underscored in Wednesday's meeting that Pakistan being an important neighbour would play a positive role in the Afghan reconciliation process. He, however, made it clear that the process would be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned.