Kasuri satisfied with US assistance

Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his visit to Washington, saying in a series of meetings with American officials he found support for long-term, broad-based and sustainable relationship between the two countries.
Briefing newsmen after a hectic three-day visit, and his meetings with the US administration, the foreign minister said he reviewed progress on various tracks in Pakistan-US bilateral co-operation including in the field of economic dialogue, energy, education, science and technology.
He said there was an assurance by the administration about the passage of the annual assistance programme for Pakistan both in the military and economic fields. The foreign minister said he stressed the need for faster movement on the initiative of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones while thanking the officials for US support for FATA sustainable development plan.
Besides bilateral relations, Kasuri also discussed with his interlocutors counter-terrorism cooperation, Afghanistan, regional issues including Iran, Iraq, the Middle East peace process and progress in the composite dialogue with India aimed at addressing all outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
He discussed counter-terrorism in detail and the situation on the border with Afghanistan and dispelled the notion about support for the Taliban in the tribal areas. He stated that Pakistan is opposed to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and that applies both to the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Kasuri said Pakistan has been given assurances about building greater capacity for effective monitoring of border with Afghanistan. In his meetings, the foreign minister reviewed the recent developments in relations with Afghanistan and progress following the Ankara meeting between President Musharraf and President Karzai and the G-8 meeting between the foreign ministers of two countries.
He briefed the US officials about the Jirga process, agenda and time frame for the holding of Jirga meetings. He also briefed them about Pakistan's comprehensive strategy that includes military, political, and administrative with a view to tackling the problem of terrorism.
In a meeting with Defence Secretary Robert Gates, the foreign minister thanked him for US assistance in earthquake recovery efforts. He said they agreed on early convening of the Defense Consultative Group meeting of the two countries.
With Secretary Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, Foreign Minister Kasuri discussed the need for early movement on Reconstruction Opportunity Zones. They discussed the importance of expanding commercial and economic links and the importance of free trade agreement to give a solid pace to Pakistan's economic relationship with the United States.
The foreign minister had more than a dozen engagements with the media during which he outlined Pakistan's policies and its position with regard to variety of developments in the region including the country's commitment to composite dialogue with India for resolution of outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
In response to a question, the foreign minister reiterated Pakistan's position that it is opposed to the use of force for resolution of Iranian nuclear issue and added the country supports a negotiated settlement to the problem. Asked to comment on a newspaper report the foreign minister forcefully rejected the allegation that "Pakistan has agreed to a military action against Iran."
"I absolutely and totally deny that - there is no question - Pakistan wants a negotiated solution to the problem," he stated. Any resort to military (action) would have very negative consequences, he added. Replying to another question, he said the F-16 aircraft deal with the US is very much on course and Pakistan will get the fighter planes as well as have an upgradation of its existing fleet.
In his meetings with American officials, the foreign minister was accompanied by Ambassador to the United States Mahmud Ali Durrani, Director General Foreign Minister's Office Khalid Mahmood and senior officials.
On the Capitol Hill, the foreign minister had meetings with Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, Senator John Kerry, Chairman House Foreign Affairs Committee Tom Lantos, Chairman House Armed Services Committee, Ike Skelton, Chairman House Permanent Select Committee Congressman Silvestre Reyes, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, co chair of Congressional Pakistan Caucus, Senator Mitch McConnel, Senator Joseph Lieberman and Senator John Warner. The foreign minister will proceed to Chicago on Thursday, where a hectic schedule including address at a think tank and interaction with the media and Pakistani American community await him.