U.S. LEGISLATORS CALL ON THE PRESIDENT

The President received U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (Republican-Pennsylvania) and Congressman Patrick Kennedy ( Democrat-Rhode Island ) today. During the meeting, the discussions focussed on Pakistan-U.S. bilateral relations, counter-terrorism cooperation as well as recent political developments.

The President expressed satisfaction at the broadening and deepening of Pakistan-U.S. relations and stated that he looked forward to further strengthening of bilateral cooperation in all areas of common interest. He welcomed visits of Congressional delegations to Pakistan, noting that they contributed to enhancing mutual understanding.

The Senator and Congressman stated that the U.S. valued its relationship with Pakistan, which was based on common interests. The two countries were also engaged in efforts to fight terrorism and the U.S. appreciated Pakistan 's contribution as well as enormous sacrifices in this endeavour. They also told the President that his actions especially the transition to civilian rule and the scheduling of 8 January elections were widely respected. While underlining the importance of free and fair elections, they expressed appreciation for the President's measures in the context of Pakistan's continued economic and political development.

President Musharraf reaffirmed Pakistan's firm resolve to fight terrorism and extremism through a comprehensive strategy that combined military efforts with administrative reform, capacity-building of FC, and socio-economic development.

The President noted that the placement of conditionalities on parts of U.S. assistance to Pakistan affected the environment of mutual trust. As for reimbursements in the context of Coalition Support Fund (CSF), the President pointed out that these were not assistance as wrongly described by certain sections of the U.S. media. The President underlined the need for better appreciation of Pakistan 's counter-terrorism efforts. The U.S. legislators explained that conditionalities were a particular aspect of the U.S. Congressional system in the appropriations process aimed at effective utilization and did not in any way mean to undermine mutual trust.

The President informed the members of Congress about the extraordinary situation that necessitated the proclamation of Emergency on 3 November. It was important to act in order to avert an internal crisis which could have affected Pakistan's ability to fight extremism and terrorism, maintain economic growth, and sustain democratic development. The President noted that Pakistan was preparing for elections on 8 January, which would be held in a free, fair and transparent manner.

Islamabad

27 December, 2007