US Vice President Joe Biden delivered a bold message of support for Pakistan during a trip to Islamabad Wednesday, telling the country that America is "not the enemy of Islam". Offering condolences over the assassination of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer on his behalf, President Obama and people of the US, he said that the societies that justify such actions of killings are consumed by such actions.
"Societies that applaud such actions are consumed by those actions". Speaking at a joint press conference along with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani after a meeting with him here Wednesday, the US Vice President Joe Biden said his country pledged $7.5 billion civil assistance to Pakistan through adoption of KLB legislation in difficult economic times for the people of Pakistan.
"We have also contributed $190 million for the flood affected people of Pakistan," he said, adding that to enhance co-operation in agriculture and other areas of the economy, Strategic Dialogue has been initiated. Biden said that "you will see more dams in Pakistan as well as adequate water reservoirs for agriculture growth," assuring the people of Pakistan that his country has demonstrated through actions during the last couple of years "that we believe in what we say". Biden said what he came to know from media that there is perception among the people of Pakistan that US would abandon them. "What we have learned from the past that strong, productive and sustainable relationships with Pakistan are in the best interest of the US" and it would not abandon Pakistan. "We want strong, prosperous and stable Pakistan having good relations with neighbours including India."
Biden also addressed the concerns of the people of Pakistan during the briefing and stated that "we read your newspapers, watch your television and I personally interact with Pakistanis in all walks of life in the US and believes that there are some misconceptions not in leadership but in people about the intentions and actions of the US. He said that Pak-US relations are based on respect, mutual interest and against the extremist and al Qaeda mentality which is the common enemy of both the countries.
Responding to those Pakistanis who accuse the US of violating Pakistan's territory, Biden said, "I know that your army has the capacity to defend its territory." He said that Taliban and al Qaeda have been violating Pakistan territory and are threat to Pakistan.
He said some critics even suggested that the US disrespects Islam. He mentioned some of very big mosques in his country to dispel the misperception saying" we respect Islam and it is the fastest growing religion in America. "Obama says Islam is part of the US," he added. "We are not the enemies of Islam and we embrace those who practice the great religion in our country," he added.
Prime Minister Gilani speaking on the occasion said that Pakistan regards the US as a good friend and appreciates the visiting US President's important personal contribution to renewing the friendship and partnership between the United States and Pakistan. "Pakistan and the United States have been on the same side for over half a century and at all the defining periods of contemporary history," he said, adding that the friendship of both the countries is based on shared values.
"Your visit has provided us with a good opportunity to exchange views on bilateral and regional issues and we had very fruitful discussions. Pakistan looks forward with confidence to a robust, enduring and mutually beneficial partnership with the United States. Policy consultations and co-ordination is necessary for attaining our shared goals," he said, adding that the government values the United States support for Pakistan's economy, stability and security.
Gilani said that both the countries have set a calendar of extensive engagements during 2011, adding that as Premier he is happy to note that enhanced Strategic Dialogue process is now in place. We are determined to utilise this and other mechanisms to give greater substance and strength to our relations, he added. Biden said that soon after the press briefing, he would be leaving for a meeting with Army Chief General Ashfaq Kayani.
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