ISLAMABAD, Aug 3: US President George W. Bush telephoned President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Friday afternoon in what was seen as a move to allay Pakistan’s concerns about the new Congress bill, the possibility of American military action inside the country’s tribal region and the Indo-US civil nuclear technology deal.
A statement issued by the Foreign Office said: “At his initiative, President Bush spoke to President Musharraf over telephone this afternoon.”
Although Pakistan’s Independence Day falls on August 14, the statement said: “President Bush stated that the primary purpose of his telephone call was to congratulate the president and the people of Pakistan on the 60th independence anniversary.”
According to the Foreign Office statement, when President Musharraf raised the issue of the US legislation and expressed concern over elements that reflected negatively on the Pakistan-US bilateral cooperation and relations, President Bush told him that he did not anticipate any adverse impact.“The US president explained the background of the bill expressing the view that he did not foresee adverse impact of any of the Pakistan-specific provisions on the existing cooperation which was in the mutual interest of the two countries,” it said.
In this context he mentioned that the US Congress had recently approved funds close to $150 million for Fata development for this year, which according to him, was another indication of the strong commitment on the part of the US to support Pakistan.
With reference to the recent statements emanating from Washington regarding possible American action inside Pakistani territory in pursuit of Al Qaeda, President Bush agreed that such statements did not serve the interests of either country and held out the assurance that the US fully respected Pakistan’s sovereignty.
He conceded that such statements were unsavoury and often prompted by political considerations in an environment of electioneering.
“President Bush stated that the United States fully respected Pakistan’s sovereignty and appreciated Pakistan’s resolve in fighting Al Qaeda and other terrorist elements,” the statement noted.
He reaffirmed the US desire to build a strong, long-term strategic relationship with Pakistan as it served the interest of both the countries and the world.
The statement said: “President Bush also praised the role that Pakistan and President Musharraf have been playing for peace and security in the region and appreciated the courage and sacrifices especially of the Pakistan armed forces in fighting terrorism.”
