March 08, 2007	Thursday	Safar 18, 1428

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PESHAWAR, March 7: US Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker on Wednesday stressed America’s long-term commitment to security and development in the Frontier Province and Federally Administered Tribal Areas ( Fata).

During his farewell visit here, Mr Crocker visited Lincoln’s Corner and inaugurated the third annual group discussion on Democracy Dialogues’ organised by the US Consulate in Peshawar at the Peshawar University.

Earlier, during a meeting with NWFP Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani, the US ambassador pledged $17 million to supplement the provincial government initiatives in communication, healthcare, education and other social sectors in Kohistan and Kala Dhaka areas.

At the university, Mr Crocker highlighted the US relationship with Pakistan and said: “We are strongly committed to helping people of Pakistan in our mutual fight against terrorism and to ensure that Pakistan enjoys improved access to education, healthcare and employment.”

Mr Crocker met with NWFP’s political, academic, development, media representatives during a reception hosted at the residence of US Consulate’s Principal Officer Ms Lynne Tracy on Tuesday night, said a press release.

Mr Crocker met with NWFP Governor Mohammad Ali Jan Aurakzai, Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani, Corps Commander Lt-Gen Hamid Khan and Frontier Corps Commandant Maj-Gen Mohammad Alam Khattak.

According to a handout, during the meeting with the US ambassador at the Frontier House, the NWFP chief minister said that the Mutahidda Majlis-i-Amal government valued the US cooperation during and after the 2005 earthquake.