Gilani urges US to expedite transfer of funds

Gilani urges US to expedite transfer of money promised under Kerry-Lugar Act and Coalition Suppport Fund.

ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday urged the United States to expedite the transfer of money promised under the Kerry-Lugar Act, as well as the long overdue payment of the Coalition Support Fund, to help Pakistan overcome the devastation caused by massive flooding.

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed hope that the US would immediately reimburse the pledged assistance that his country is desperately in need of.

Gilani was talking to the US special representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke.

While noting that the European Union (EU) council had on Thursday decided on a trade concession for Pakistan, Gilani urged Washington to help the country in lobbying for a positive decision for greater access to its products in the EU markets.

He appreciated the fact the US will be announcing a comprehensive package for the rehabilitation and reconstruction phases in the flood-affected areas during the forthcoming Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) ministerial meeting in Brussels on October 14-15.

Holbrooke assured the premier that the US government was focusing on the next FoDP ministerial meeting and was mobilising the international community for generating the required funds for Pakistan.

Gilani added that the government is also raising finances through indigenous resources to meet the expenditure required for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the flood-affected areas.

He reaffirmed that despite the catastrophic consequences of floods on Pakistan’s economy, the government remains resolutely committed to pursue the war against terror.

While referring to Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s recent visit, the prime minister stated that he was of the firm belief that a peaceful, stable and economically developed Afghanistan was pivotal for peace and stability in Pakistan.

Meeting with Nawaz Sharif

Former premier Nawaz Sharif also urged Holbrooke to support Pakistan’s efforts to finalise a free trade agreement with the US and to encourage greater American investment in the country, especially in its energy and power sectors.

Sharif pointed out that aid packages were at best only stop-gap arrangements that have no lasting impact on the country’s economy.

On the other hand, greater trade and foreign investment help in strengthening the country’s economy and generating employment opportunities which reduce the likelihood of the youth turning towards militancy and extremism.

Sharif also highlighted the need for an early resumption of the dialogue process between Pakistan and India.

In this context, he urged the Obama administration to play a more effective role for the resolution of all outstanding issues between Pakistan and India, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 18^th, 2010.