News
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Ties with Pakistan absolutely vital, US official tells Congress
WASHINGTON: The US partnership with Pakistan is “absolutely vital”, but it extends beyond Washington’s security interests in the region to wide-ranging areas including support for Islamabad’s key energy and water requirements, a top American official told the US Congress on Saturday.
“We have been extremely responsive to their needs in funding and other support. I think they are starting to believe that we are committed to the greater security of the region and that extends their willingness to work with us,” Michele Flournoy, undersecretary of defence for policy, said. She was testifying on Capitol Hill in support of long-term funding for Pakistan’s counter-insurgency operations, along with Marine Corps Lt Gen John M. Paxton Jr, the director of operations for the Joint Staff. The two officials said continued funding of both military and civilian operations in Pakistan is critical to counter-insurgency gains in Afghanistan.
Flournoy said there is a clear understanding within the administration “of where we need to go” with Pakistan, and it includes about a 50-50 match of military and civilian support. “This is a partnership that is absolutely vital to US interests, but it is also complex,” Flournoy told the House Armed Services Committee.
The Obama administration has been consistent in its goal of dismantling al Qaeda and other violent extremists in the region, Flournoy said, and Pakistan is a key US ally in ways that extend beyond terrorism.
US operations in Afghanistan “are bearing fruit” in reducing violent extremism, and Pakistan is increasingly helpful in the effort, Flournoy said, adding that funding for Pakistan’s counter-insurgency campaign has allowed the US military to supply helicopters and other equipment to the Pakistanis, train their security forces and enhance coordination and intelligence sharing between Pakistan and coalition forces.
“It is imperative that we support Pakistan,” Paxton said. “Their fight is directly aligned with our goals in the region. We must remain steadfast in developing their abilities.” app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk