US refuses to apologize over deadly Pakistan air strike

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/usdetail/212823.html

Gen Martin Dempsey, the most senior figure in the U.S. military has refused to apologize for an air strike at the weekend that killed 24 Pakistan soldiers.

The Pakistani army claimed the attack lasted almost two hours, and that it continued even after commanders on the ground contacted NATO to ask what was going on.

In an interview with ITV News, Gen Dempsey said he telephoned the Chief of Pakistan's army General Ashfaq Kayani and “expressed regret”.

“They have reason to be furious that they have 24 soldiers dead and that what killed them was the ordinance of a partner,” he said.

Asked if there was anything apologize for however, Gen Dempsey said: “absolutely not.”

Gen Dempsey also admitted that the U.S. relationship with Pakistan, viewed from the outside is “the worst it's ever been.” Telegraph

FACTS & FIGURES

NATO helicopters and fighter jets attacked two military outposts in northwest Pakistan on November 26, killing as many as 28 troops and plunging U.S.-Pakistan relations, already deeply frayed, further into crisis. Reuters

Pakistan summoned United States Ambassador Cameron Munter to seek clarification over the NATO raid on its military check post. The Nation

Pakistan also ordered a review of all arrangements with the United States and NATO, including diplomatic, political, military and intelligence activities, following the deadly cross-border strike. AFP

On November 26, Pakistani authorities gave the United States 15 days to leave the Shamsi airbase, and closed NATO supply lines into Afghanistan in response to the deadly NATO air strike. en.ria.ru

Relations between the United States and Pakistan have been strained following the alleged killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden by U.S. special forces in a raid on the Pakistani garrison town of Abbottabad in May, which Pakistan called a flagrant violation of sovereignty. Reuters