Gilani calls for removal of differences between Pakistan, US
ISLAMABAD: Emphasizing the importance of state relations based on mutual respect and trust, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has called upon the need for removing differences of perception between Pakistan and the US through enhanced intelligence sharing and high level contacts. He was talking to a delegation of the US Senators headed by Senator Jack Reed, member Armed Services Committee which called on him at the Prime Minister House here today.
He stressed that the US government must deliver on its pledge to build the capacity of Pakistan’s police and law enforcement agencies to train and properly equip them against militants and to enable the government to increase their emoluments and provide social safety net for their affected families.
The Prime Minister said that the Swat peace deal agreement which is supported by the majority has a backing of the National Assembly and is aimed at promoting peace in the area. He said that the promulgation of Nizam?e?Adl regulation in Swat was part of the efforts of the government to promote national reconciliation besides adopting three Ds strategy to combat extremism and terrorism.
The Prime Minister said that the US should not attach conditionalities to the assistance package as the aid with strings attached would fail to generate the desired goodwill and meaningful results. The Prime Minister while talking about the dialogue process between the two sides covering all aspects of multifaceted relations hoped that the US Government would take into account his government’s concerns about the new US policy towards Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister thanked the US government for its assistance and its role in making the Friends of Democratic Pakistan’s Ministerial meeting and Donors’ Conference in Tokyo a success. He hoped that the pledged aid of US$ 5.28 billion to Pakistan in the recently concluded meeting in Tokyo would greatly substantiate his government’s efforts to improve the socio?economic condition thus enabling Pakistan to effectively confront the challenges of extremism and militancy.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment towards curtailing militancy and terrorism, the Prime Minister said that his country would continue fighting this menace till its complete elimination from its soil in order to make the country safe and peaceful.
He stressed that the US drone attacks proved counter productive and are impeding his government’s efforts to marginalise the militants from the peace loving populace. Talking on the Swat peace deal agreement, the Prime Minister said it has the backing of the National Assembly and was supported by the majority vote.
He said the promulgation of Nizam?e?Adl regulation in Swat was part of the efforts of the government to promote national reconciliation. Underlining the importance of Pakistan’s political and economic stability, Senator Reed stated that the US government will continue rendering all possible assistance to Pakistan for achieving these goals.
He assured the Prime Minister that he has been personally involved in the early passage of assistance package to Pakistan. Senator Reed said he would try to take his other colleagues in the US Senate on board to address Pakistan’s concerns about the legislation.
He said that the US wanted to build its long term relationship with Pakistan beyond the issue of terrorism. Senator Reed congratulated the Prime Minister for handling the domestic political situation last month with sagacity. He hoped that with the Prime Minister’s concerted efforts, government of Pakistan would be able to overcome its economic difficulties.-APP
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