By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard A. Boucher Wednesday said America has been supporting the democratic government in Pakistan and vowed to continue its backing, especially to fight terrorism, improve security and resolve energy crisis.
Addressing a press conference here at a local hotel after concluding his three-day visit to Pakistan, Boucher said the United States has assured of its continued cooperation to build a modern, stable, democratic and economically prosperous Pakistan.
He said Pakistan has been facing serious challenges in the realm of security, food and energy and the United States would continue extending cooperation in confronting these problems.
During his stay in Pakistan he held meetings with Pakistani leadership including President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Chief of Army Staff, Advisors to Prime Minister on Security and Interior, besides political leaders including Nawaz Sharif.
Referring to his meetings with Pakistani leadership, he said all the issues of mutual interest were discussed in these meeting across the board.
He said safety from extremists, security for people and ways to resolve energy crisis remained under focus in these meetings.
Appreciating the action by Pakistan in tribal areas, Boucher said, “The operation around Peshawar is very welcome. All people up there have had enough of the harassment by these groups, the threats to Peshawar.” He expressed the hope that the operation will improve security situation in the region.
He said, “We don’t support making concessions to Taliban leaders like Baitullah Mehsud,” Responding to a question about NATO’s strike inside Pakistan, he said the United States is aware of sensitivities of Pakistan and a joint investigation has been launched into the incident.
He said America is not in favour of dialogue with militants but there could be negotiations with tribal elders to ensure peace and security in the area. He said people wanted to live safely and it is the duty of the government to provide them security.
Commenting on the statements of Afghan President Hamid Karzai and other Afghan officials in which they threatened to attack Pakistan to eliminate militants, Boucher said there should be coordination between Afghan Government, NATO forces and Pakistan to fight this menace.
He said it is the responsibility of Afghan forces and NATO to take action against the militants on the side of Afghanistan while it is the responsibility of Pakistani forces to take action on their side.
He said there was no doubt about the fact that the threat of terrorism has to be eliminated and the best strategy for that would be for Pakistan to carry out operation on its side and Afghanistan on its side of the border.
Richard Boucher said the United States would continue providing training facilities and equipment to help Pakistan face the danger of terrorism and extremism.
The Assistant Secretary of State said apart from use of force, there is need for expediting economic activities, building schools and health facilities and creating job opportunities.
He said America has been extending support to Pakistan for improving infrastructure and providing roads, schools and other basic needs of life in the tribal areas.
Boucher said Pakistan has been facing three major problems which are security, terrorism and energy crisis, and added that US has been engaged with the new democratic government and supporting it to resolve these problems.
He said Al-Qaida is a great threat not only to the world but also for Pakistan and Afghanistan and coordinated efforts are needed to fight them. He said America has been supporting Pakistan to eliminate Al-Qaida network.
“We want to help Pakistan to modernize its health and education system, improve security and enhance economic sector,” he said.
Dispelling the impression that America has not accepted the results of February 18 elections in Pakistan, the Assistant Secretary of State said US supported the transition to democracy in Pakistan.
He said President Bush has met with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and will meet him again this month. That indicated full support of the US to the democratic process, he added.
Replying to question regarding US interference over the issue of reinstatement of deposed judges, the Assistant Secretary of State said, “United States supports Pakistan’s efforts for strengthening of democracy and independence of the judiciary and is not involved in the issue of restoration of judges.”
He said it is upto the coalition government in Pakistan how they ensure the independence judiciary.
Answering a question about the role of President Musharraf, he said, “He is President of Pakistan and the United States deals with him in that capacity.”
He said Pakistan has more crucial issues like extremism and terrorism, food crisis and energy deficiency to address instead of discussing the issue of President’s future.