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US rules out changes in Kerry Lugar Bill, offers explanatory memo |
The United States has made it clear that it would
not remove any clauses in the controversial Kerry Lugar bill, rather an explanatory
memo addressing Pakistan 's reservations would be stapled in with the bill. Interacting
with mediapersons after a meeting with Pakistan Foreign Minister, who had rushed
back to Washington to convey Islamabad 's objections, Chairman of the Senate Foreign
relations Committee John Kerry said a separate document would be attached with
the bill to clarify the elements of the 7.5 billion dollar bill. Kerry, the main
sponsor of the bill; said the document would be prepared within the next 24 hours.
Sources said President Obama would sign the legislation only after the explanatory
note is attached to it. Kerry said it was important that Islamabad 's concerns
are addressed, and underlined that the 'true intent' of the bill is to help bolster
socio-economic development of the Pakistani people. "He (Qureshi) expressed to
me very clearly and very forcefully the ways in which the (Kerry-Lugar) Act has
been misinterpreted or interpreted as the case may be by some in Pakistan and
how important it is to our relationship and our ability to proceed forward in
the direction that we all want to go, to make certain that we address those concerns,"
The Nation quoted Kerry, as saying. He highlighted that the bill has nothing in
it, which challenges Pakistan 's sovereignty, and stressed that it has nothing
to do with drone attacks, or private security companies. "The bill signifies U.S.
long-term commitment to the Pakistani people and seeks no micromanagement of Pakistanis
affairs," Kerry added. Qureshi told reporters that the meeting was very successful,
as Washington had taken note of Pakistan 's apprehensions. "We discussed this
very frankly. I think the message is loud and clear and has been understood. The
two sides will work collectively to clarify and correct interpretations," he said. |
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