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Bush declares US not to hand over F-16s to Pakistan
June 24, 2003 (by
Stefaan Vanhastel) -
On June 24th, President George W. Bush declared the US would not hand over the embargoed F-16 Fighting Falcons to Pakistan after all. The past week, rumours had circulated that the 28 F-16A/B block 15OCU aircraft -which Pakistan has paid for but which were embargoed due to 1990s anti-nuclear sanctions- might be delivered after all.
The 28 F-16A/B block 15OCU aircraft were originally ordered in 1988 under the Peace Gate II/II/IV programs, but were later embargoed under the Pressler amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act, which forbids military aid to any nation possessing a nuclear explosive device.
After meeting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday, Bush further declared that substantial military assistance would be contained in a large aid package to Pakistan.
Although Pakistan was eager to see the F-16s included in the aid package, Bush made clear that even though half of the five year, three billion dollar aid package would be military in nature, the F-16s won't be a part.
After meeting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday, Bush further declared that substantial military assistance would be contained in a large aid package to Pakistan.
Although Pakistan was eager to see the F-16s included in the aid package, Bush made clear that even though half of the five year, three billion dollar aid package would be military in nature, the F-16s won't be a part.
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