Islamabad: US Deputy Secretary of State for Resources and Management Thomas R. Nides said US respects democracy in Pakistan and accepts the sacrifices of Pakistan in war on terror.
US official held talks with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and later briefed the media in a joint press conference. Thomas was of the view that US would continue to work with Pakistan for its progress. He further said Pakistan and US have a broad, challenging and complex relationship; however, the people of both countries benefit when these two work together towards a common goal.
He explained that he was here as part of a long series of visits from representatives of the United States: Senator John Kerry was just recently here, Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Ambassador Marc Grossman, Secretary Clinton herself was just recently here as well as Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen. This series of meetings shows how important this relationship is to both of our countries, he added. Nides further stated that they believe that the Pakistanis and the Americans share the same objectives: Defeat violent extremism and end the conflict in Afghanistan.
The US Deputy Secretary said they would work closely with the government and the people of Pakistan to make it secure, stable, democratic, and prosperous. He said, “We recognize that Pakistan faces severe challenges at this moment in its history. Pakistanis have suffered terribly at the hands of violent extremists. Your army and security forces have paid a heavy price. We respect your sacrifice. We grieve with you over the loss of so many innocent people wantonly murdered by terrorists, as we saw once again in Peshawar over the weekend.” He maintained that they shared the same distress of the Pakistani people that so many brave journalists have paid with their lives for pursuing the truth. He also expressed pleasantries over the completion of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement and declared it an important step toward regional prosperity. As Secretary Clinton said during her visit to Pakistan last month, they were prepared to stand by the Pakistani people for the long haul, he continued.
He informed that they were working with the government to help renovate the Tarbela dam, which will expand electricity generation and help address the energy crisis that affects your quality of life so much. At the end, he offered thanks saying that they could see it at work in the people-to-people exchange programs. Online
