WH defends forging strategic partnership with Pak

Washington, July 13: Ignoring lawmakers' criticism of its support for General Pervez Musharraf, the Bush administration has defended its goal of forging ''a long-term strategic partnership between the United States and Pakistan that is strong, multi-dimensional and enduring.'' ''Pakistan plays a key role in some of our most critical foreign policy goals, such as creating a regional environment inhospitable to Taliban extremism and terrorism and building a modern society,'' Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher said yesterday.

In his testimony at a Congressional sub-committee on national security and foreign affairs, Boucher said, ''Pakistan is also critical to the US-led Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.'' ''Without Pakistani support and cooperation, we would face severe difficulties in supplying, reinforcing and protecting our troops and those of our allies who are defending the democratically elected Afghan government,'' said Boucher who is the Bush administration's point-man on Pakistan policy.

But, the lawmakers persisted with their plea for a review of the current US policy of support for Gen. Musharraf. They questioned Pakistani leader's ability to take strong action against terrorists. One of the them quoted a report whch said Osama bin-Laden was hiding in a camp near the Pakistan-Afghan border.

They also accused him of acting as an obstacle to the growth of democracy in Pakistan.

Boucher, in reply, justified the US support and said, ''Helping Pakistan succeed in becoming a prosperous, moderate and democratic nation is a critical part of all our policy goals for Pakistan.'' ''A stable, prosperous Pakistan is key to the stability and prosperity of the whole region. Pakistan links the landlocked, energy-laden nations of Central Asia to the dynamic markets of South Asia,'' Boucher said.

UNI

Related Stories