Pentagon plays down chances of ‘big announcement’ for Pak during strategic talks

WASHINGTON - While Pakistan has handed over a huge 56-page wish list to the United States ahead of the strategic dialogue between both countries, the Pentagon has hinted that there is a little chance of any big announcement to Islamabad after the deliberations.

Talking to reporters, Pentagon Press Secretary Geof Marshall said Wednesday’s talks would primarily focus on developing the relationship between both countries.

“I would not look to this, at the end of it, for there to be some great announcement about any hard items that are being produced as a result of the conversations. This is a dialogue designed to produce a better long-term strategic relationship … this is not simply about asking and receiving items,” The Daily Times quoted Marshall, as saying.

Pakistan’s wish list included unmanned Predator drones, helicopter gunships, more financial aid, a India like civil nuclear accord and a direct role of the White House in reviving the stalled Indo-Pak composite dialogue.

The document also requests for greater cooperation between Pakistani spy agency (the ISI) and US intelligence outfits.

The wish list also raises concerns about India’s effort to modernise its military, in part through buying US equipment and weapons. (ANI)