By KUNA
Islamabad : The United States has suspended negotiations with Pakistan aimed at sorting out differences on remaining issues for finalizing the much-awaited bilateral investment treaty (BIT) till the formation of a stable elected government, said a report Sunday.
“A small but significant number of differences have persisted on issues of considerable importance to the United States and these negotiations are currently suspended,” local Dawn daily reported citing the 2008 Trade Policy Agenda and 2007 Annual Report of the President of the United States on the trade agreements program.
The report, recently submitted to the US Congress, elaborated upon the pace of development on various issues with partner countries.
It said in 2007, the USTR continued efforts to finalise a BIT, which would provide significant legal protection to US investors in Pakistan.
The two countries are expected to resume talks on the remaining issues after formation of a stable elected government in Islamabad.
A third meeting under the head of Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) is expected to be held in the spring of 2008 to discuss issues for improving trade relations between the two countries.
In the aftermath of 9/11, Pakistan has been a critical partner on the front lines in the fight against Al-Qaeda and the struggle to counter extremism.
“Our task is even more important today as the Pakistani people look to a democratic transition in the wake of the tragic death of Benazir Bhutto,” the report said.