Pakistan: US Seeks ‘Middle Ground’ On Guidelines
By RFE RL
(RFE/RL) — The United States says it is looking to “find a middle ground” with Pakistan concerning new guidelines for relations with Washington that have been approved by lawmakers in Islamabad.
U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Washington is ready to “engage” with Pakistan on the guidelines and is “willing to address their concerns going forward and find a middle ground.”
Pakistan’s parliament on April 12 unanimously backed the guidelines, which include an end to drone strikes against militants on Pakistani territory and a ban on transporting weapons and ammunition through Pakistan.
The guidelines could also lead to reopening transportation routes into Afghanistan for the U.S. and NATO forces.
Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani told parliament his government is ready to implement the guidelines in “letter and spirit.”
