Clinton promises more help for victims

ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton rang up Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday night to express the solidarity of the government and people of the US over the loss of lives and property caused by devastating floods.

She assured assistance on behalf of the US to Pakistan in this hour of need. Pakistan, she said, may send its need in writing to the US for flood-affected population. Clinton also mentioned that the US government would also try to mobilise its corporate and private sectors for helping the flood-affected people Pakistan.

Pakistan, she said, had made great sacrifices in the war against terror and is still facing challenging times due to terrorist attacks in Peshawar and disruption of peace in Karachi.  She expressed condolence for the innocent people killed in terrorist activities in Pakistan.

Secretary Clinton appreciated that despite great difficulties, the government and people of Pakistan are facing the situation very effectively. She apprised the prime minister that the US would do anything possible to support Pakistan and he can pick up the telephone and give her a ring any time he wants to convey the required support for the flood victims.

She further said that Nato, Japan and Afghanistan have also offered complete support to the government and people of Pakistan in these difficult moments. She further mentioned that the US is making efforts to extend every possible assistance to Pakistan.

The prime minister thanked Secretary Clinton for conveying the sentiments of the president, government and the people of the US in these hours of need.

He also thanked her for the assistance already given by the US for the flood affected people. He mentioned that exact assessment of damages including loss of lives and properties would only be possible once the flood recedes and thereafter the exact needs would be determined.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8^th, 2010.