News
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
US assures continued support to PakistanUNITED NATIONS: The United States on Sunday assured flood-hit Pakistan continued assistance and support as top diplomats of the two countries met on the sidelines of a UN meeting on Sunday.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi held a meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, which lasted 30 minutes. Qureshi expressed profound gratitude of the people and the government of Pakistan to Clinton for the “generous assistance” provided by the US for the rescue and relief operations in flood-affected areas.
Clinton assured the foreign minister that the US would use its influence to urge the international community to come forward and respond positively to the $2 billion revised aid appeal for Pakistan. Qureshi briefed Clinton on the constitution of the 15-member National Disaster Management Oversight Council. The US secretary of state appreciated the establishment of the council, which she said would adequately address the concerns of the international community on transparency.
Responding to Foreign Minister Qureshi’s request, Clinton promised to look into the issue of disbursement of funds to Pakistan under the Coalition Support Fund. Both sides underscored the need for coordinated, enhanced and transparent performance by UN agencies in the flood-affected areas. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk