U.S. in no mood to 'apologise' to Pak for deadly NATO air raid

Islamabad, Apr 25 (ANI): Pakistan and the U.S. have ended up in a deadlock over the issue of a public apology for last year's deadly NATO airstrike, resulting in an indefinite delay in the much-anticipated re-engagement process between the two allies.

A formal apology is one of the key pre-conditions set by Pakistan's parliament to revive cooperation with the U.S. and reopen NATO supply routes blocked since the airstrike at Salala, which killed two-dozen Pakistan Army soldiers, reported The Express Tribune.

However, Pakistani officials have disclosed that Washington is reluctant to accept the demand.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Pakistani diplomat said that Washington had earlier displayed signs of 'willingness' to apologise, but President Barrack Obama's public ratings, in an election year, appear to have forced the administration to rethink its decision.

The recent attacks in Kabul, blamed on the Haqqani network, have also complicated the situation and made it difficult for Obama to take such a step at a time when his political rivals are calling for a tough action against Pakistan.

"Our position is that we want the White House to make the apology," said an official.

He said the issue would come up for discussions during the upcoming visit of the U.S. special representative Marc Grossman, who is expected to arrive in the capital on a two-day trip.

Recently, U.S. Ambassador Cameron Munter said his country was eager to resume cooperation with Pakistan but would not accept all of its demands.

Officials said the government the process on hold after U.S. reservations surfaced on the issue of the formal apology. (ANI)