"US support critical for democracy in Pakistan", says Zardari

[Naveed Yaseen]

US support critical for democracy in Pakistan, says Zardari

ISLAMABAD: Democratic stability in Pakistan depends on the government’s development agenda for the success of which US support is critical, President Asif Ali Zardari said on Tuesday.

In a meeting with US delegation, headed by Jane Harman, chairwoman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence and Terrorism Risk Assessment to Pakistan, Zardari said Pakistan would continue to engage with the US and the international community in developing a pragmatic and effective approach to address the issues that have imperilled the country’s security and stability.

President’s spokesman Farhatullah Babar quoted the president as saying that both Islamabad and Washington needed to take a holistic view of their bilateral relations.

Babar said the president also appreciated the Obama administration’s resolve to assist Pakistan on energy and economic issues.

The president said, “We are encouraged by the bipartisan support of the US legislators to assist Pakistan and engage it in a long-term partnership”.

However, he emphasised the need to expedite the legislation on reconstruction opportunity zones to give the local people hope.

The spokesman said the president also stressed the need for the swift reimbursement of arrears in the coalition support fund.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...2009_pg1_3