By Xinhua
Islamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Tuesday expressed his disappointment over a legislation by the US Congress introducing conditionalities on future assistance to Pakistan.
“Such legislation constitutes an irritant in the bilateral relationship, which must be based on trust and confidence in moving forward on issues of common interest,” a foreign ministry statement quoted Musharraf as saying.
Musharraf made the remarks when meeting the visiting US Senator Richard J. Durbin in the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi.
Musharraf also pointed out that certain recent US statements were counter-productive to the close cooperation and coordination between the two countries in combating the threat of terrorism.
Musharraf emphasised that only Pakistan’s security forces would take counter-terrorism actions inside Pakistani territory, and Pakistan would never allow any entity to use its territory for terrorist activities, the statement said.
A comprehensive strategy, which includes military as well as political, administrative and socio-economic elements, would help in addressing the challenge of extremism and terrorism, Musharraf said, adding that he appreciated the US support for the tribal region sustainable development plan because it would contribute to weaning people away from extremism.
Musharraf underscored the importance of a broad-based and long-term relationship between Pakistan and the US and reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to fight extremism and terrorism, stressing that this struggle was in Pakistan’s own national interest.
Durbin stressed the importance the US attached to its relationship with Pakistan. He appreciated the contribution and sacrifices made by Pakistan in the measures taken to curb extremism.
Durbin also conveyed that the US Congress would continue to support Pakistan in counter-terrorism efforts and in meeting its national development goals.