Pakistan aid bill to be passed in weeks: Kerry

[LahoreEstate]

Pakistan aid bill to be passed in weeks: Kerry

* ‘Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act’ to authorise $1.5bn annually in socio-economic assistance for Pakistan for 10 years

WASHINGTON: US Senator John Kerry, who is spearheading congressional efforts for three-fold expansion in economic assistance to Pakistan, has voiced confidence for passage of the Kerry-Lugar Act “very soon”, hinting at the possibility of further increase in non-military support.

“It will be taken up very soon. I think it is very important to demonstrate to the people of Pakistan that we are very supportive of the democratic process,” he said of the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act measure that would authorise $1.5 billion annually in socio-economic assistance to Pakistan for 10 years.

The measure, he said, would “at least triple non-military aid to Pakistan on annual basis” and “we are looking at the question of whether we may put additional” money, APP reported.

He said lawmakers believe “that it is important (for United States) to have a relationship with the people of Pakistan. He said it remains to be seen whether any new conditions will be attached to military assistance for the country. “The effort here is to be cooperative to create a stronger relationship. We are very supportive of President (Asif) Zardari’s efforts to try to provide good government and strong civil institutions. We applaud his commitment to democracy. And we believe he has been strong and courageous in taking on difficult choices for Pakistan,” he added.

Referring to his statement on the impact of targeting militants on the Pakistani side of the Afghan border, he said he felt the strikes “can be counterproductive”.

He opposed the use of term war on terror saying the US was conducting a global counterinsurgency that required winning the hearts and minds of the people, not pushing them away. There is no military victory in Afghanistan, he said, emphasising that counterinsurgency involves building civilian institutions, providing jobs, heathcare, education, and civil society structure. agencies

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...2009_pg7_1