Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Clinton, President Zardari discuss security, regional peace

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, July 19, IRNA -- Secretary of State Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton Sunday met President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed regional peace, security situation, energy needs, post conflict rehabilitation and the issues relating to strategic dialogue, presidential spokesman said.

Hillary Clinton, leading a high level US delegation, assured President Zaradri of additional US support in addressing issues in energy water and agriculture on priority basis in the ongoing strategic dialogue, to be held on Monday.

Matters relating to the strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the US, bilateral relations, regional situation, fight against militancy and mutual cooperation and assistance to Pakistan were discussed during the meeting, spokesperson to the president Farhatullah Babar said.

The US secretary of state appreciated the efforts being made by Pakistan for economic stability and poverty alleviation.

Saying that the administration was conscious of the need for creating economic opportunity for the Pakistani people in their fight against militancy she reiterated US commitment to support the people of Pakistan for strengthening of democratic institutions to promote stability and investment in energy, education and social sector.

She expressed a determination to strengthen the ties between the two countries in all areas particularly in areas of energy, water agriculture and trade development.

Issues relating to peace and stability in the region were also discussed in the meeting, Farhatullah Babar said.

US drone attacks in the Pakistani tribal regions, rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons, strengthening of the law enforcing agencies, the coalition support funds arrears and Pakistan’s energy needs were discussed in the meeting, the spokesman said.

About the drone attacks on Pakistani territory, the president said that it undermined the national consensus against the war on militancy and reiterated Pakistan’s call for transfer of drone technology to it for use by its own security forces against the militants for wider public acceptability.

The president also called for timely payments of Coalition Support Fund and said that piling up of arrears hampered the fight against militancy, Babar said.

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End News / IRNA / News Code 1233923