March 31, 2006	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 1, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, March 30: US Ambassador in Pakistan Ryan C Crocker has said the United States was committed to a long term assistance to Pakistan in the challenging phase of reconstruction.

“Pakistan is a strategic partner and ally of the United States,” he said while addressing as guest of honour at a ceremony held here at Qasim airbase to mark the departure of US and Australian disaster assistance relief teams.

He said the United States has pledged $510 million for earthquake relief and reconstruction efforts. Of this, the US army had spent $110 million on the initial relief work and $300 million would be spent on reconstruction, including $100 million from the American Corporate Sector and $100 million would be spent by USAID.

Ambassador Crocker said with the melting of snow the displaced people were returning home and the US government in coordination with the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (Erra) will undertake rebuilding activities.

It is a transition point and not culmination, he said and referred to President Bush who described Pakistan as a strategic ally and partner of the United States.

He said the first week of April would see a surge in rebuilding activities as many new schools would be rebuilt. He said the construction of the first of the many schools would start in Balakot next week.

He said the industries in the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) would have no bar in sending their goods to the United States without any tariffs and duties and help in income generation schemes for the affected people.

President Bush during his recent visit to Pakistan had supported President Musharraf’s vision for creation of ROZs. The products manufactured in these zones would be eligible for duty-free entry into the United States.

ROZs would be located in remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. This initiative would create incentives for new investment and promote economic growth and prosperity. Crocker said the US troops were involved in, what is being termed as the longest US military humanitarian operation, and received full support of the Pakistan Army and the government.

Crocker also appreciated Brig Tanveer of Qasim Aviation Base for providing excellent facilities to the US troops and pointed that over 11,000 missions were flown from the base, without any incident.

Addressing the US troops, he said, “our soldiers came here to do good and brought honour to their country by saving thousands of lives.”

He said the US army helped cement a lasting partnership between the peoples of the two countries.

Commander of the US Disaster Assistance Centre Pakistan Rear Admiral Michael LeFever said two more “Angels of Mercy”— CH-47 Chinooks—flew back to Afghanistan today, while four more including around 200 US soldiers leave in a week’s time.

“We accomplished the impossible in the world’s most rugged mountains,” he added.

The US military was the first foreign army to arrive within 48 hours after the 7.6 magnitude earthquake devastated parts of northern Pakistan killing around 80,000 and rendering around 3 million homeless.

The operation began with initial induction of 24 US military helicopter; 17 CH-47 Chinooks, 3 UH-60 Blackhawks and 2 MH-53 Sea Stallions and 2 MH-60 Nighthawks.

They delivered over 15,000 tons of humanitarian aid and airlifted over 3,000 injured quake survivors for over 200 days. The US Chinooks began moving on to other assignments.

As operations matured, 12 US Chinooks and 4 Australian Blackhawk helicopters provided continuous relief airlift support. This was a Herculean effort, one the world would never forget, LeFever said.

Major General Javed Aslam, Commander Army Aviation said an entire generation was lost in the Oct 8 earthquake. The enormous challenges were faced by a determined nation.

He said Pakistan could never forget the prompt response of the US Army and its helicopters helped in reaching the most inaccessible areas.

The two militaries, he said, always enjoyed cordial relations, and added now the US help has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the people of Pakistan.

He said the two militaries learned a great deal from each other and appreciated the professionalism of the US army.

The United States had also handed over 150 sling load nets to United Nations helicopters that will remain in Pakistan for another year. It has also turned over the rapid refuelling system and the last of the 84-bed, US 4.5-million dollars Mobile Army Surgical Hospital to the Pakistan Army.

The US army also treated around 35,000 patients, provided 75,000 shelters and around a million people received food support, constructed schools, health facilities and trained teachers and healthcare workers.