DCC meeting discusses NATO supply route

ISLAMABAD: The meeting of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) chaired by Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf discussed the NATO supply route, Pak-US relations and security in the region.

Prime Minister Ashraf in his opening address said that Pakistan had examined its position on the NATO supply route and its closure had not only impacted relations with the US but also with 49 other countries.

The premier added that Pakistan had repeatedly told the US that it wanted relations to be based on equality and mutual trust.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and federal ministers from the Defence, Foreign, Finance and Information ministries. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and all three services chiefs were also present.

The DCC meeting comes following the country’s military and civilian leadership meeting with top US officials including ISAF Commander General John Allen. The meetings focused on the reopening of the NATO supply route and Pakistan’s demands of an apology over the Salala attack and respect of its sovereignty.

The NATO supply route was closed by Pakistan after a 26 November, 2011 attack on the Salala check post. The attack which was carried out by NATO forces resulted in the death of 24 Pakistani soldiers.

Relations between Pakistan and the US have been on a downward spiral as Islamabad has been steadfast in its demand of an apology from Washington over the incident.