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US not to sell `offensive` arms to Pakistan: report

IRNA

Islamabad, Oct 24, IRNA - The United States has refused to sell any 
weapons system to Pakistan fearing it might refuel arms race in the 
region but is working hard to convince India to open its market to the
latest US war machines, local press reported Friday. 
"Only the sale of Hawk Eye radar system is under consideration for
Pakistan," The Nation daily reported, quoting sources in Washington. 
"The US cannot give any `offensive` weapons system to Pakistan and
the Hawk Eye could only be used for defensive purposes." Pakistan had 
ought Washington`s help to upgrade its ageing weaponry which would 
help improve the conventional balance vis-a-vis India, but the US has 
given a cold shoulder. 
The long list of weapons purchase was turned down by the US 
recently saying it would accelerate an arms race between the South 
Asian archrivals. Ironically, the US is trying its best to woo India 
to start buying American weapons. 
The sources said that the US has only limited and short time 
interests in Pakistan and would do only what is required to keep the 
things moving in Pakistan in its desired direction. 
"The only long-term US ally in the region is India, and Pakistan`s
importance will decline as soon as the crisis in Afghanistan 
subsides," the daily quoted the sources as saying. 
It said analysts believe that Pakistan`s decision not to send its 
troops to Iraq, in spite of a UN resolution, is a step in the right 
direction. 
"It`s unwise to accept US demands without taking into 
consideration the public opinion and more so when Washington is not 
ready to fulfill Islamabad`s legitimate demands such as the status of 
free trade and the sale of conventional arms," sources said. 
Pakistan`s refusal to send its soldiers to Iraq might enhance 
pressure on Pakistan but the decision will help improve public 
perception at home where people believe the government had not 
bargained well before extending its cooperation to the US in its war 
against terrorism. 
This is perhaps for the first time during the last two years that 
Pakistani administration has said "no" to a demand by the US that 
wanted Pakistan to send its soldiers to fight war in Iraq. 
The government faced a severe criticism at home for offering 
everything to Washington without taking into consideration the 
national interest. 
TK/TSH/211 
End