Aryavartha
04-04-2008, 15:57
Oh how ironical..
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/003200804041421.htm
Russia agrees to transit deal for NATO freight to Afghanistan
BUCHAREST (AP): Diplomats say Russia has agreed to a transit deal with NATO to allow the alliance to ship non-lethal freight across Russian territory to military forces in Afghanistan.
The deal was struck as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepared to meet his NATO counterparts at a summit Friday.
More details here..
http://www.dawn.com/2008/04/02/top7.htm
Russian bid to replace Pakistan as supply route: War in Afghanistan
Diplomatic sources in Washington told Dawn that Russian and Nato diplomats have already held a series of “productive and successful” talks on a plan that would allow non-military material – such as clothing, food and petrol – to cross Russia by land.
The plan, however, could later be expanded to include ammunition and light weapons as well, the sources said.
Russia’s new ambassador to Nato Dmitri Rogozin played a key role in selling this plan to the members of this US-led alliance, telling them that this will be a reliable alternative route free of violence and political troubles.
While America’s European allies have shown great interest in the proposal, the Americans are still reluctant as they do not want to bring Russia back to a region from where it was forcibly ousted in 1989, after battling Afghan freedom fighters (now Al Qaeda and Taliban militants) for almost 10 years.
Despite Washington’s reluctance, the Nato has held intensive talks with Russian officials on the precise routes to be used and hopes to reach agreement at this week’s summit in Bucharest.
If approved by the summit, the supplies can begin as soon as Nato wants as the Russians already have a functioning route passing through Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
...
The Pakistan route, according to these sources, passes through the Taliban-infested tribal zone and has become increasingly dangerous. Last Sunday, militants blew up a convoy of 36 oil tankers meant for US forces in Afghanistan.
I am also guessing the new civilian govt is reluctant to toe the US line even nominally like Musharraf used to do (not that Musharraf's double games did not hurt NATO in Afg). It is also less susceptible to pressures since it is going to be a coalition govt with much more chaotic and distributed decision making process than what it was before - a phone call to Musharraf.
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/003200804041421.htm
Russia agrees to transit deal for NATO freight to Afghanistan
BUCHAREST (AP): Diplomats say Russia has agreed to a transit deal with NATO to allow the alliance to ship non-lethal freight across Russian territory to military forces in Afghanistan.
The deal was struck as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepared to meet his NATO counterparts at a summit Friday.
More details here..
http://www.dawn.com/2008/04/02/top7.htm
Russian bid to replace Pakistan as supply route: War in Afghanistan
Diplomatic sources in Washington told Dawn that Russian and Nato diplomats have already held a series of “productive and successful” talks on a plan that would allow non-military material – such as clothing, food and petrol – to cross Russia by land.
The plan, however, could later be expanded to include ammunition and light weapons as well, the sources said.
Russia’s new ambassador to Nato Dmitri Rogozin played a key role in selling this plan to the members of this US-led alliance, telling them that this will be a reliable alternative route free of violence and political troubles.
While America’s European allies have shown great interest in the proposal, the Americans are still reluctant as they do not want to bring Russia back to a region from where it was forcibly ousted in 1989, after battling Afghan freedom fighters (now Al Qaeda and Taliban militants) for almost 10 years.
Despite Washington’s reluctance, the Nato has held intensive talks with Russian officials on the precise routes to be used and hopes to reach agreement at this week’s summit in Bucharest.
If approved by the summit, the supplies can begin as soon as Nato wants as the Russians already have a functioning route passing through Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
...
The Pakistan route, according to these sources, passes through the Taliban-infested tribal zone and has become increasingly dangerous. Last Sunday, militants blew up a convoy of 36 oil tankers meant for US forces in Afghanistan.
I am also guessing the new civilian govt is reluctant to toe the US line even nominally like Musharraf used to do (not that Musharraf's double games did not hurt NATO in Afg). It is also less susceptible to pressures since it is going to be a coalition govt with much more chaotic and distributed decision making process than what it was before - a phone call to Musharraf.