ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and United States need to sit together to resolve the issue of supply of NATO to Afghanistan and ensured that attack by NATO at Salala Check Post would not be held in future.
This was stated by Congressman David Dreier Chairman, House Democracy Partnership and Chairman House Rules Committee while talking to newsmen here at Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services.
Congressman David Dreier is leading a US Congressional delegation to Pakistan which is the first ever high profile visit from United States after the Salala incident that disturbed Pak-US relations and Pakistan stopped the NATO supply and canceled a number of bilateral visits.
The other members of this bipartisan Congressional delegation included Congressman James Moran, Member House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Joe Wilson, Member House Democracy Partnership House Armed Services Committee, House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Adrian Smith, Member Subcommittees on Trade and Social Security, House Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Kenny Merchant, Member Subcommittees on select Revenue Measures, Oversight and Social Security, House Ways and Means Committee, Father Patrick Conroy, Chaplain of the House of Representative and other staff of these Congressmen.
It was the first ever visit of US Congressmen to the newly constructed Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) which was completed with the support of USAID.
Replying to a question, David Dreier said, "We believe that partnership between the elected representatives of two countries is very important to further promote bilateral relations."
He said it will help in ensuring the goals of providing jobs, security, progress and prosperity in Pakistan.
He also expressed sorrow and grief on the loss of lives in yesterday's tragic incident of bomb blast in Peshawar.
David said, "it is so important for us to do what we can do to ensure that people have their voices heard through their elected leaders".
He said, "I believe that a strong, vibrant, and civilian government through legislative bodies is the best way to do that."
Referring to Pak-US relations, he said, "we have difficulty in our relationships". He said it is the first high level delegation visiting Pakistan following the Salala incident of November 26."
The Congressman said, "the visit of the US Congressional delegation on the invitation of Pakistan government is an important signal that Pakistan wants to continue towards closely with the people of United States and the US government, to address our shared concerns."
He said, "We do have common enemy, that is radical elements who want to kill innocent citizens, and we are determined to do every thing possible we can to bring that to end. It is universal right for the people to believe that they can live with their families in peace and security."
He said the PIPS programme is important as it is to strengthen the bilateral relations and promote economic activities.
He said,"I want to see to eliminate all tariff bearers between Pakistan and United States and gratify to see the strengthening relationships in this regard."
Referring to the visit of Afghan President Hamid Karzai to Pakistan last week, he said, it is a positive sign. He said the visit of Speaker of Indian Lok Sabha to Pakistan was also welcome sign between Pak-India relations.
Replying to a question, Congressman David who first came to Pakistan 25 years ago said, "Pakistan and US relations are at many levels that also include people to people, military to military and government to government, and they are partners in the struggle against the radicalism."
He said it was a great loss to Pakistan that it has lost 36,000 lives in fight against terrorism that include 5,000 military personnels. He however said United States sees a strong democratic government here in Pakistan.
On the issue of Balochistan and a resolution moved at the House of Representatives, Congressman David said, "I believe that statement of one member of the Congress is not indicative of the overwhelming will of US Congress or of the Government of the United States."
He said, "But at the same time we believe strongly in independent and sovereign Pakistan."
Replying to another question, Congressman David said when he talked about relationship of two countries, he said, the Salala attack was very sad incident. He said the military men and women both in Pakistan and United States are courageous people, and the lost of civilian lives, is absolutely horrifying, but equally horrifying the loss of lives of those who are focused on security.
He said, "so we are deeply saddened, by that occurrence, but it is very complexd situation, but keeping in view the challenge at the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, there is uncertainty at this border."
He said, "we continue to condole with those families who lost their relatives in this incident, but it is important for us to move ahead.
"I believe that this high level visit from USA, at the invitation of government of Pakistan, is a clear indication of the desire demonstrated by the people of Pakistan, through their government, as well as United States, to build these relations once again," he added.
Regarding NATO supply, he said, "it is important for us to again come together united against our common enemy, and any thing can be done to facilitate, that include NATO supply is important.we never ever again see tragedy like that Salala attack."
Answering a question about role of Indian lobby in US Congress to disturb Pak-US relations, he said there is free debate on all subjects.
He said strengthened ties between Pakistan and India are very welcomed. He said people of Pakistan understand there is very strong commitment for this country in US leadership.
He said in a vibrant civilian government, the debate will continue and people of Pakistan will not suffer.
Earlier, addressing a group of parliamentarians, Congressman David said the relations between Pakistan and United States remained a roller coaster in the past.
He said politics is a substitute for war and strong relations between the politically elected and democratic institutions play important role in promoting bilateral relations.
He said the visit of current Congressional delegation will further promote Pak-US relations in different fields.
David said US always extended cooperation and assistance to Pakistan for strengthening its democratic institutions, for its peace, security and stability.
He said US wants stable and secure Pakistan where people could get food, shelter and jobs and people could have their representation in the democratically elected parliament.
He said secure and safe future of Pakistan is important for the United States and added "we are here to strengthen partnership between the parliaments of two countries".
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