February 01, 2007	Thursday	Muharram 12, 1428

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window).

ISLAMABAD, Jan 31: The US administration opposes provisions of the HR-1 Bill that will restrict assistance to Pakistan based on a certification requirement that the government of Pakistan is making all possible efforts to combat the Taliban in areas bordering Afghanistan.

“Such conditionality would be counter-productive to one of the important goals in HR-1, fostering a closer relationship with Pakistan,” a statement released by the US Embassy here on Wednesday said.

It said while the administration supported the underlying intent of the HR-1, it had serious concerns with several of the bill’s provisions and did not support the bill in its current form. Many in Pakistan have voiced concerns over provisions of the first piece of legislation considered by the new US Congress.

The bill, which has been passed by the House of Representatives, addresses a wide range of issues relating to the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.