US ambassador content with relief efforts

Munter said Pakistan Army, US troops and NGOs had provided relief in a well organised and well coordinated way.

KALAM: American Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter expressed satisfaction over effective distribution of relief goods to flood-affected people this Thursday.

Talking to the reporters after his visit to the flood-affected areas, he assured that the US would continue its help and assistance to Pakistan to face challenges following the devastating floods.

The ambassador, along with his wife, specially travelled to the damaged parts of Kalam to personally witness the plight of the flood victims and the progress made so far to help them out.

Munter said he was satisfied with the Pakistan Army, US troops and NGOs, who had done a marvellous job to provide relief to the affected people in a well organised and well coordinated way.

He said that the first phase of relief operation was over and assured that America would extend full support and cooperation to Pakistan in reconstruction phase.

Munter added that for the reconstruction phase, the rebuilding of infrastructure including bridges and roads would be given priority.

The ambassador said helping the local population to improve their crops and other local infrastructure would also be given due importance by the US and other international donors. He also added that the cooperation between Pakistan and America in these relief efforts would strengthen friendly relations of the two countries.

About his perception about Pakistan after just a week’s stay the ambassador said, “It is not anti-American country and people here are very friendly.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th, 2010.