US welcomes tribes' support to Army
Source: SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT October 9, 2008 “A lot of Pakistanis are committed to democracy â€" there is a lot of hope,” he stated while recognizing the government’s efforts to steer Pakistan as a moderate, modern and democratic country. Citing the US leaders’ meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari in New York last month, he said there is a clear resolve by Pakistan to overcome the menace of extremism. “We were struck by their determination to tackle extremism and economic challenges.” “There is a strong determination on part the Pakistani government and the NWFP government to tackle the situation” with regard to militancy, he said in response to a question in the context of recent wave of bombings in the country. Asked about cross-border actions into Pakistani territory, Boucher declined to comment on any border military operations.
On the US support for Pakistan, he said it is providing $ 800 million ongoing assistance in the current year and also cited the US aid in overcoming food prices during Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s visit and last week’s aid for people displaced as a result of situation in Bajaur tribal area.
He also said US would provide assistance for modernizing Pakistan’s democratic and military institutions. On the Friends of Pakistan initiative, he said the “next meeting at Abud Dhabi- later this month or early next month” - will come up with a programme to match international support for Pakistan’s commitment to development. “There will be money available because there will be a lot of donors there. But the goal is not to come with a number but a programme that matches Pakistani plans with foreign support.”
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