Gates states that ‘mistrust’ between US and Pakistan is legitimate; Kerry-Lugar bill postponed till September; PM Gilani: Army has nothing to do with Musharraf’s trial; ISPR confirms Baitullah is dead; Taliban burn down 7 schools which had re-opened
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    • US Defence Secretary Robert Gates at a Pentagon briefing on August 13 stated that the Pakistani “mistrust” of American intentions was “legitimate” and this was on account of past history of US interactions with that country. He added that there was an urgent need to “rebuild trust” between the two countries. Gates’ reaction came even as a survey showed that a majority of people in Pakistan perceived the US to be an “enemy” rather than a friend1.

    Meanwhile, the Kerry-Lugar bill, which provides for US non-military assistance for the next 5 years, has been held up by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee till September, when the US Congress resumes its session. Reports noted that the final version of the bill would not link US assistance to access A.Q. Khan and would not ask for cooperation with India in fighting against terrorism2.

    Prime Minister Gilani, talking to reporters in Lahore on August 15, stated that Pakistan Army would not act as a “stumbling block” in a trail of former president Gen. Musharraf and added that the army had “nothing to do with it3.” Musharraf has been charged with illegally imposing emergency and arresting judges during 2007, charges which could lead to imprisonment or permanent exile outside the country4.

    President Zardari, in his Independence Day address in Islamabad on August 14, put forward comprehensive political, judicial and administrative reforms for the tribal areas including FATA aimed at giving basic rights of appeal and other rights to the people of FATA5.

    In other developments, even as Pakistan’s ISPR reports confirmed that Baitullah Mehsud was killed in a US missile strike, the Taliban continued to carry out attacks in the Swat region. 7 schools where classes had resumed recently in the area were burnt down6.

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