US Congressional delegation meets PM,says US desires continuation, strengthening of democracy in Pak

[Turborama]

Source: APP

ISLAMABAD, Sept 3:

The US administration as well as Congress strongly desire for continuation and strengthening of democracy in Pakistan and believe that its relationship with Pakistan is absolutely grounded on civilian and constitution based set up. This was stated by US Congressman, Jim Marshall and four of his colleagues who were part of US Congressional delegation which met Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in his Parliament House chamber here on Friday.They informed the Prime Minister that during their meeting with the Chief of the Army Staff earlier in the day, they had highlighted these US sentiments.

The Congress delegation appreciated the role of Pakistan armed forces in the relief and rescue operation in the floods and in the war against terror. They assured the Prime Minister of USA’s support for establishing civilian institutions and building their capacity for disaster management and relief activities so that they can play a proactive role in any such eventuality.

The Prime Minister appreciated President Obama, his administration and US Congress’ support for standing by the government and people of Pakistan in coping with the massive challenges posed by the floods, war against terror and efforts to strengthen the democratic institutions in the country. He apprised the US delegation that the brave and resilient nation of Pakistan stood united to meet these challenges and the Parliament is expected to pass a resolution to exhibit unity against any move to derail the democracy.

The Prime Minister, while acknowledging the US government and armed forces’ valuable support to his government’s efforts for rescuing the precious lives of people stranded in floods, hoped that US would continue to assist Pakistan in the rehabilitation and reconstruction phases. He apprised the US Congress delegation of the colossal devastation caused by this natural calamity and stated that his government is in the process of establishing an Oversight Council to ensure complete transparency in utilization of assistance generated locally as well as from abroad.

Read more: http://ftpapp.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=115101&Itemid=1

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Mullen taken aback by scale of Pakistan flooding ; says sustained international help needed

WASHINGTON, Sept 3 (APP) -

Top U.S. military officer Admiral Mike Mullen, who had a first-hand glimpse of unprecedented flooding devastation in Pakistan this week, Friday said news coverage cannot possibly convey the massive scale of the disaster.Mullen said he was taken aback by the scale of the disaster and also noted the need for sustained international help in the recovery effort ahead.“The pictures (and) reporting just don’t capture it,” Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff said at the conclusion of his visit to Pakistan. He toured the flood-stricken areas with Pakistani army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.

Along with his own observations of flooded areas, he added, a briefing by Gen. Kayani helped him to understand the disaster’s magnitude.

“It said that effectively it’s like flooding the entire East Coast of the United States,” he said.

“I think it’s going to take a considerable amount of time to recover from that.” he told reporters during flight from Islamabad to Kabul.

Read more: http://ftpapp.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=115109&Itemid=2

For more on what's been going on in Pakistan, check out my journal - even the archives are quite recent: http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Turborama

[OhioChick]

1. K&R n/t

[Rhiannon12866]

2. It's about time!

:kick: