(PTI)US military advisors in dozens may soon be heading for Pakistan to train its army in counter insurgency and the specialised warfare course could begin in matter of weeks, according to a top US military commander.
"The US and Pakistan have cleared remaining obstacles, so the long delayed team may arrive in Islamabad within weeks", Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff was quoted by Los Angeles Times on his return from a key visit to Pakistan.
Washington for months has urged the Pakistani to accept a training team. Pakistan resisted, asking for additional weaponary and equipment some US officials believe is best suited for its standoff with regional rival India, the Paper said.
But now, Mullen told the paper the primary stumbling block had been the fact that Pakistan could not build the proposed training site, near the western town of Peshawar, quickly enough. He said the two sides had now agreed to use an alternative site, north of Pakistani capital Islamabad. " We're still going through adminstrative delays, but I do see it happening", Mullen said adding " I think It's in the next few weeks". |