Share this story!            

Explanatory statement added to Kerry-Lugar bill

No micromanagement, no security intrusion: US

* Senator Kerry says Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act intends to demonstrate America’s commitment to Pakistan
* Assistance to help bring development to people, curb militancy

WASHINGTON: Attaching an explanatory statement to the Kerry-Lugar bill on Wednesday to clarify its intent behind the legislation, the US Congress has stressed that Washington does not want to micromanage Pakistani affairs, nor does it want to impugn its sovereignty and national security.

“The core intent of the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act is to demonstrate the American people’s long-term commitment to the people of Pakistan,” pledged the document, which was unveiled by Senator John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Congressman Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who accompanied the US lawmakers, described the development as a big step forward in the US-Pakistan relationship. He said the statement would help allay the concerns of the Pakistanis on some parts of the bill. However, while lawmakers often attach comments and statements to bills, this does not make them binding under law.

“There are no conditions on Pakistan attached to the authorisation of $7.5 billion in non-military aid. The only requirements on this funding are financial accountability measures that Congress is imposing on the US executive branch, to ensure the assistance supports programmes that most benefit the Pakistani people,” the joint statement stated. “The act fully recognises and respects the independence of Pakistan as a sovereign state,” it said. “The United States values its friendship with the Pakistani people and honours the great sacrifices made by Pakistani security forces in the fight against extremism, and the legislation reflects the goals shared by our two governments,” it added.

Help the people: Senator Kerry also profusely acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by the Pakistan Army since the start of the war on terror. He said economic assistance under the bill would help bring development to the people and curb militancy. Qureshi told journalists he would return to Islamabad satisfied that the legislation did not harm Pakistan’s sovereignty. He said Vice President Joseph Biden had renewed US commitment to develop a long-term partnership with Pakistan regardless of current developments in Afghanistan. app

Home | Main

Share this story!