US to pay compensation, taxes on NATO supplies passing through Pak

Islamabad, Mar 31(ANI): The United States has agreed to pay compensation and additional taxes on NATO supplies passing through Pakistan in a move that indicates Washington's eagerness to end the supply line blockade.

The US conveyed its willingness to accept Pakistan's demand at recent talks between the civil and military leadership of both sides, both Pakistan and American officials have confirmed, on the condition of anonymity.

An American diplomat familiar with the development said that Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani's recent meeting with US President Barak Obama at the Seoul summit, and talks between the top military commanders of both sides has led to positive results on key issues.

"The meetings were extremely productive and clearly the two sides now have a better understanding of each other's views," the Express Tribune quoted a diplomat, as saying.

He added that the US was ready to pay compensation for the damage caused to Pakistan's infrastructure and an additional transit fee.

"Even if we pay compensation and additional taxes, Pakistan still is the cheapest and most viable option for Nato supplies," an American official said.

The NHA estimated the damage caused to the country's infrastructure by NATO trucks at close to 120 billion rupees.

But both sides have hit an impasse on drone strikes.

The US, though, has shown willingness to discuss a new framework for the use of Predator strikes but ruled out the possibility of abandoning the CIA-led campaign.

"There is a zero-tolerance on drones, there is not even a remote possibility that the Obama administration will review this policy," another American official said. (ANI)