The US lifted key sanctions against Pakistan and India imposed over the nations' nuclear weapons programs, apparently in appreciation of their help in the fight against terrorism.
Pakistan's help could be particularly important if the US carries out an attack against neighboring Afghanistan, where Osama bin Laden -- named as the prime suspect in the devastating Sept. 11 attacks against America -- has taken refuge.
Despite anti-American sentiment in the country, Pakistan agreed last week to share military intelligence with the US, permit its airspace to be used by American military aircraft, and to provide US access to military facilities. These commitments could enable the US to use Pakistan in any assault on bin Laden.
The sanctions lifted Saturday barred economic and military assistance to the two countries. President George W. Bush said in a statement Saturday that maintaining the sanctions "would not be in the national security interests of the United States."
Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan's ambassador to the US praised the move, saying it "will enable Pakistan to get economic aid and it's a very important development."
A senior Pakistani official said Bush's decision lifts restrictions on military sales to Pakistan and makes the country eligible for new economic aid. It does not apply to sanctions imposed after the 1999 Pakistani military takeover, meaning Pakistan is still ineligible for US loans and is prohibited from sending soldiers to America for training, the official said on condition of anonymity.
The move came as an American military delegation headed to Pakistan this weekend for consultations on US preparations for a military strike against Afghanistan.
The US delegation, drawn from the military and the Defense Department, will meet early in the week with their Pakistani counterparts, a senior Bush administration official said Saturday.
US officials said on Saturday they were pleased with cooperation from Saudi Arabia and Turkey as American military forces moved to position themselves for a possible military strike against Afghanistan.
Air Force Lieutenant General Charles Wald, commander of US Central Command's air component, has shifted operations to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, where he could plan and direct air attacks against Afghanistan and other possible targets in the region.
Having Saudi Arabia in the US camp may help counter sentiment in the Arab world against Bush's campaign. Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Saud al-Faisal, consulted with Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell last week, and US officials said the kingdom was cooperating with US requests.
A senior Saudi official, however, cautioned that the kingdom and other Arab countries did not want to be thrust into a conflict.
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