Pakistan

Pakistan can make its own decision about participating in Yemen war: US

State Department spokesperson says 'it is not for US to decide' if any country wants to join the Saudi-led coalition

Web Desk April 09, 2015

US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf. PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON DC: As lawmakers continue to debate whether to join the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi rebels in Yemen, the United States said on Thursday Pakistan 'can make its own decision and it is not for us to decide'.

According to US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf, every country can make their own decisions about 'how they – if and how they participate in the Saudi-led military operation'.

“We have said that we are supporting them (Pakistan) logistically, as I said, with munitions and other arms as well,” Harf added.

Responding to a question regarding US approving Pakistan's request for arms worth $1 billion, she said the State Department did approve a possible foreign military sale for helicopters and associated equipment, parts, and support for an estimated cost of about $952 million.

Read: US State Department approves Pakistan's request for arms worth $1b

“This proposed sale of helicopters and weapons systems will provide Pakistan with military capabilities in support of its counterterrorism operations inside the country,” the US state department deputy spokesperson added.

Harf declared the US has a very close counterterrorism relationship with Pakistan for very good reasons.

“There’s still a serious threat in Pakistan from terrorists who have either attacked the US or American soldiers in Afghanistan, who have tried to plot and plan against the West, including the US,” she said.

Harf added that since the remnants of core al Qaeda are mainly in the tribal areas of Pakistan, the US is trying to help the country. “This is in our national security interest to do so, ” the US state department deputy spokesperson said.

Speaking about the purposes for which the weapons can be used by Pakistan, Harf said the US has many ways of monitoring how the weapons it sells are used.

"That’s obviously something we care very deeply about, “ she added.

COMMENTS (5)

US CENTCOM | 9 years ago | Reply The threats of DAESH continue to linger on in the region. Just today the Bajaur TTP group declared its allegiance to DAESH and so continues with their mission of death and terror. We appreciate the efforts of Pakistani security forces against terrorist organizations in the country. “There’s still a serious threat in Pakistan from terrorists who have either attacked the US or American soldiers in Afghanistan, who have tried to plot and plan against the West, including the US,” State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf,said. Harf added that since the remnants of core al Qaeda are mainly in the tribal areas of Pakistan, the US is trying to help the country. “This is in our national security interest to do so,” the US State Department deputy spokesperson said. Abdul Quddus DET - U.S. Central Command

woody | 9 years ago | Reply @T Nadeem:

Oh…thanks for telling us what we can and can’t do !

Typical anti American blather. The USA State Dept holds a daily press conference where reporters from around the World ask questions .- same goes with White House and Pentagon. Maybe Pakistan should consider doing something similar..

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Burki | 9 years ago | Reply No, it's obvious from government dragging its feet on this issue, that we're not able to make our own decisions. Government lacks courage and a clear vision to take any steps and has now even invited Iran in its decision making process.

Arshad | 9 years ago | Reply There is no need for any foreign power to intervene in the internal affairs of Yemen. USA sitting thousands miles away has been interfering in this region with the support of Saudis for the past many decades and has inflicted enough harm. They must now refrain and let the regional countries sort out the problem. Saudis must now abandon their traditional role of being promoters of US interest.

T Nadeem | 9 years ago | Reply Oh...thanks for telling us what we can and can't do !

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