Concerned US asks Pak for immediate resolution of explosive Baloch issue

Islamabad, Sep.2 (ANI): Expressing concerns over the Baloch insurgency, the United States has asked the Pakistan Government to settle all outstanding issues with the Baloch people as soon as possible.

According to sources, three US Senators met President Asif Ali Zardari and asked him to resolve the crisis while expressing concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in the region.

Senators Carl Levin and Jack Reed of the US Senate's Armed Services Committee and Edward Kaufman of the Foreign Relations Committee stressed on the need for complete peace and stability in Balochistan during their talks with Zardari, The Dawn reports.

The US Congressional delegation led by Senator Carl Levin, which is on a visit to Pakistan currently, told Zardari that the stability of Balochistan was imperative for success in the 'war on terror'.

Briefing media person after the meeting, Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said Zardari urged the senators to try to hasten the reimbursement and supply of critically needed equipment, including helicopter gunships.

Zardari also requested Washington to speed up the process for the early adoption of the Kerry Lugar Bill, and also asked the White House to release all outstanding dues amounting to 1.6 billion dollars in order to help Islamabad counter extremism effectively.

"Payment of outstanding amounts in the support funds is important for the security forces to continue the ongoing military operation against militants," The Dawn quoted Babar, as saying.

"President Zardari said attaching conditions to aid would be counter-productive and impart a transactional nature to the relationship which must be avoided," he added.

Zardari also welcomed the Obama Administration's commitment to help Pakistan address its increasing energy needs. (ANI)