News
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Reopening of NATO supply routes a good decision: MusharrafLONDON: All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) chief General (r) Pervez Musharraf has said the reopening of NATO supply routes is in the interest of the country, and Pakistan should accept the US apology with a positive attitude.
“First of all, we should work in our own interest; the situation cannot be improved by criticising even the good steps of the government. It was a tough decision for the government to restore NATO supply because a particular segment of the masses would protest against it, but my sympathies are with the civilian and military leadership.”
According to an APML press release issued on Wednesday, Musharraf said that the attack on Pakistani checkpost at Salala was a mistake of US forces, and they should have apologised about it soon after the incident, but if now the US has realised its mistake, Pakistan should accept it in a positive manner.
The former president said if the Pak-US tension persists for long, it would affect Pakistan’s interests in Afghanistan after the NATO forces’ withdrawal scheduled for 2014. So the post-2014 scenario in Afghanistan was very vital and Pakistan should be an integral part of it, otherwise India would benefit in the long run. Replying to a question, Musharraf said the NATO forces would leave most of the ammunition and military equipments in Afghanistan, which would be utilised by Afghan forces.
To stop drone attacks, Pakistan should build confidence and give the US a guarantee that Pakistan forces would carry out action against the terrorists, which were wanted to the US, Musharraf said. Pervez Musharraf asserted that he would return to the country before the forthcoming general elections and his party would take part enthusiastically in the polls. online
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk