Posted on 10/10/2005 9:58:59 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
NEW DELHI - Pakistan said Monday it will accept relief aid for earthquake victims from its longtime rival India, a move that carries immense political implications for the neighbors who have fought three wars.
India's Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran said his country would send tents, food, blankets and medicine to the hard-hit Pakistani portion of Kashmir.
The announcement came after Pakistani Foreign Ministry said Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh telephoned Pakistan's high commissioner in New Delhi and "reiterated his offer to send relief aid to us for earthquake victims."
High Commissioner Aziz Ahmed Khan met Singh and then contacted the government in Islamabad, which decided to accept the Indian offer after consultations at the highest level, Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam said.
Earlier Monday, India said Pakistan turned down its offer of helicopters for rescue operations, saying it had enough at the moment. Pakistan also ruled out launching joint rescue operations with India for earthquake victims in Kashmir.
Pakistan and India have a long history of bitter relations, particularly over Kashmir — the focus of two of their three wars. However, the two sides have taken several steps since last year to improve relations.
Soon after Saturday's earthquake, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had called Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and offered humanitarian help. Musharraf also made a similar offer for the victims of the quake in the Indian portion of Kashmir where more than 800 people died.
Death toll estimates in Pakistan ranged from 20,000 to 30,000.
... a move that carries immense political implications for the neighbors who have fought three wars.
This is a stunning development. Perhaps this is the beginning of these two neighbors ending their long running feud.
We can hope.
Remember ow Iran refused aid from Israel a awhile ago, during the Bam earthquake? Some elements of Pakistan reek with the same attitude.
I wonder if the hungry, thirsty and homeless Kashmirs really care if aid came from Israel? I have no sympathy for the PakRat Gov.
Now how hard was that parkistan. [SARC]
Admittedly Pakistan's military govt has shown more sense (common and otherwise) in accepting aid whereever they can find it in direct contrast to hellhole regimes like N korea's and Cuba's.
But I'd rather not get carried away. Nothing really has changed where the paki establishment's survival imperatives are concerned (primary among which is channelling anti-India hatred as a domestic political tool and mobilizing proxy warfare using ragtag jihadis against India in kashmir.
I'm still waiting to learn of the extent of Arab and Islamic aid to the Pakis.
Pakistan to accept quake relief from India
Terrorists (Religion of Peace enthusiasts!) Gun down 12 in Kashmir
The Pakis have rejected aid from Israel.
They have however refused to let Indian army choppers or personnel from working in POK on joint rescue missions. That shows the extent of the hatred. They would rather let their own citizens die than get help from India.
Reminds me of the kursk submarine disaster where the russians did not allow outside help and let the crew perish.
And, in the meantime, USAid will end up lining the pockets of the Generals, as usual, le plus ca change.....
LOL! You really think they would allow infidels to rescue their trapped women. Hell, they'd rather let 'em die than be looked at or gasp, even touched by infidel rescue workers....
And we have a winner.
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