ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Friday termed the US-Pakistan relationship "critical" for both the countries that cannot be given up.
She was speaking at an interactive session with the civil society leaders, women and business leaders at a town-hall style forum. "We will stay the course and oversee the difficulties. We have too much at stake and cannot give it up," Secretary Clinton said when asked how the US could extend support to enhance bilateral economic cooperation and the Reconstructin Opportunity Zones.
She agreed that increased trade would benefit the two countries and lead to a stronger economic relationship and said it was her desire to see Pakistan progress.
Secretary Clinton however agreed that there were lots of differences between the two countries, but pointed that a lot more needs to be done.
She said she has always tried to be a good friend of Pakistan and believed that the countries stay on the path together, as it was in their mutual interest.
Regarding the energy crisis in Pakistan Secretary Clinton pointed that the United States of America would help add 1000 MW of electricity through American entrepreneurs and said they have been helping through consultations for the past two and a half years. She pointed that in a country where only two million of the 180 million people pay income tax, it would be difficult to generate resources for development.
She said the people have to get in touch with their elected representatives and "hard decisions" need to be taken for effective managment.
Secretary Clinton also noted the "vibrancy" of the Pakistani society and termed it very dynamic. She however regretted that some extremist elements try to stifle the very vocal voice of the Pakistani people.
She mentioned the assassination of Governor Salman Taseer and said refusal to hear divergent views leads to suffering of the society.
When asked about her views on the policy of the USA wherein it targets and talks to the Taliban at the same time, she said, chance must be given to those who wish to talk peace.
She also agreed to the resolution of the All Parties Conference that called for giving peace a chance and expressed the hope that it is heard by elements in the terrorist groups on both sides of the border.
Secretary Clinton said the US desires to talk with those who wish to discuss a way forward. But pointed that these groups must renounce violence, cut ties with al-Qaeda and are willing to abide by the rules and laws of the land.
She mentioned the attack on Burhanuddin Rabbani and said all those who are invited for talks need to come with sincerity and willingness.
Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011
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