Nato supplies continue through Pakistan's airspace: Munter

United States Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter on Thursday claimed that supplies for US-led Nato forces in Afghanistan were continuing through Pakistan's airspace. Munter was talking to reporters after inaugurating a photo exhibition highlighting 10 years of US support for the preservation of Pakistani heritage and antiquities through the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation at Pakistan National Council for Arts (PNCA).
"You are right," was the response of the US ambassador when he was asked to comment on reports that Nato supplies were being made using Pakistani airspace. The statement of the US envoy is surprising for the very day the Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit told weekly press briefing that a final decision on re-opening of Nato supplies will be taken by the parliament.
Pakistan had shut down the supply lines of US-led Nato forces in Afghanistan in the wake of November 26 Nato airstrike on Salala border post killing 24 Pakistan soldiers last year. When asked to comment on President Zardari's statement that no external pressure will be accepted on execution of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, Munter said it was a fact that Pakistan is facing serious energy crisis, adding that the US was providing millions of dollars assistance which is helping Pakistan overcome the energy crisis.
He said the US was committed to doing what it can to help Pakistan to deal with energy crisis. "I think within a month we will make significant contribution in this regard," he added. To another question about reports that the US was thinking of apologising for last year ie November 26 Salala Nato airstrike, the ambassador said Secretary Clinton and General Dempsey have many a time commented on the matter that what happened on November 26 was tragic, unintentional and not a planned incident.
"As I have commented before many a time, what happened was tragic but unintentional and this is something that we all must work together to try and prevent. The way to work together is to ensure these kinds of tragedies that we regret deeply do not take place," he added. He said the two countries need to talk to one and other to make sure that a mechanism is in place to avert such happenings in future.
About the Pak-US relations, he mentioned about the Wednesday meeting among Pakistani, US and Afghan soldiers who talked about the situation. "That's the way to solve any problem," he remarked. He said Washington was looking forward to a debate, hopefully to take place soon in the Pakistani parliament on the relations with the United States. "We've waited because we think Pakistan has requested for more time to rethink about how our relationship should go ahead. We welcome the suggestions, the honesty and the spirit to take things forward," he added.
The ambassador declined to comment on the reported contacts between US special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Marc Grossman with Taliban leaders, saying it was not appropriate for him to comment on such things. "I want to say in general that America and Pakistan are committed to the trilateral process that we hope to resume for helping Afghan-led reconciliation process. This is in fact a question for Afghans to decide," he added.
Earlier, inaugurating the exhibition, "The Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation epitomises the cultural partnership between the US and Pakistan," Munter emphasised the US respect for Pakistan's rich heritage and diversity. He said cultural heritage is a crucial link to the past and teaches us who we are today. "It transcends all boundaries, and its study helps us to better understand each other as people," he added.
Over the past 10 years, the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation has expended over 34 million dollars in support of 700 projects in 120 countries. The first project in Pakistan, undertaken in 2001, restored the stone foundations of Sirkap, a well-known archaeological site in Taxila.
Since then, the US Embassy has worked with partners in federal and provincial governments on numerous projects throughout Pakistan. These projects range from excavation of Gandhara archaeological treasures and preservation of Mughal architectural heritage to documentation of historic manuscripts and restoration of Sufi shrines of spiritual and religious significance.