Taseer tries positive spin on Kerry-Lugar Bill

LAHORE- Rejecting criticism of the strings attached to the Kerry-Lugar Bill, Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer on Wednesday said that all conditions tagged on to the $1.5 billion US aid to Pakistan per year, were in line with our declared national policy on the issues which also bother the US.
The Government of Pakistan is against nuclear proliferation; we have a commitment not to allow our territory to be used for terrorism and we want to remain on the path of democracy, the governor maintained while talking to a group of journalists at Governors House here.
Salmaan said he was astonished to see that people were criticizing the bill without realising that conditions attached to payment of the pledged money were in harmony with the declared policy of the Government of Pakistan, and there was nothing in the proposed legislation that went against national interest. Do we want nuclear proliferation? he asked, adding, Pakistan is already cooperating with the united States to dismantle supplier networks relating to the acquisition of nuclear weapons related material.
Talking about the condition relating to anti-terrorism measures to be taken by Pakistan, the governor said that Pakistan was already making significant efforts to prevent AI-Qaeda and associated terrorist groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad from using its territory to launch attacks against United States or coalition forces in Afghanistan or cross border attacks into neighbouring countries.
When asked if the condition inserted in the bill about Pakistan Army was not a direct interference in the internal matters of Pakistan, Taseer posed a counter- question, saying do the people of Pakistan and the government wanted the military to intervene in political and judicial matters, so what is wrong in it if the US wants to ensure that security forces of Pakistan are not materially or substantially subverting the political or judicial processes of Pakistan.
Turning to what he called another significant aspect of the said legislation, he said that instead of awarding contracts to American companies and hiring American consultants, the bill encouraged the administration to utilise aid though public and private sector institutions
Taseer said the bill authorised $1.5 billion per year economic assistance to Pakistan for five years, extendable to subsequent five years, to support expansion of rule of law, capacity building of government institutions; to promote sustainable economic development; building of democratic institutions; investment in people, including those displaced in ongoing counter-insurgency operations; and to strengthen public diplomacy.
From the $1.5 billion approved for FY-2010, the bill authorises up to $150 million for police reforms, equipment and training, he said, adding, these funds were not available under the earlier versions of the bill I question.
The governor was of the view that these objectives are an integral part of governments policy and if any country intended to extend financial support to Pakistan to achieve its goals, it should be welcome rather than opening a volley of criticism against it.
Salmaan said that the bill acknowledged Pakistan as a critical friend and ally, besides supporting Pakistans struggle against extremist elements and recognizing the profound sacrifices it has made in the war on terror.
It also calls upon the US administration to actively build mutual trust and confidence, consistently pursue a sustained, long-term, and multifaceted relationship with Pakistan, devoted to strengthening the mutual security, stability and prosperity of both countries, he further elaborated.
He said the bill also allowed a waiver against these restrictions if the Secretary of State, under the direction of the President, determines that it is important for the US national security interests.
He also clarified that neither PCCF nor CSF come under the purview of Kerry-Lugar Bill, and were, therefore, not subject to conditions imposed on the security assistance.