November 23, 2008	Sunday	Ziqa'ad 24, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Nov 22: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed on Saturday the hope that the United States’ foreign policy would change as part of the transformation promised by President-elect Barack Obama during his election campaign.

Talking to reporters after a function at a school, the prime minister said that his government would act only on proposals to be made by the parliamentary committee on national security on the issue of US drone attacks in Pakistan.

Mr Gilani said the next meeting of the committee would be held on Dec 2 and it would formulate its views after being briefed by top officials of ministries of defence, interior and foreign affairs as well as the chief of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI).

He said the government would decide on the drone issue after proper consultation with parliamentarians.

In reply to a question about the justification for keeping such a big army when it was not being allowed to give a response to attacks from across the border, Mr GIlani said: “You cannot provoke me.” Answering a question, the prime minister said he expected some changes in US administration’s policies after the election of Mr Obama.

Commenting on repealing Article 58-(2)b altogether, the prime mMinister said parliamentary parties should decide on the matter, adding that the PPP would support a consensus bill in parliament.

Referring to tough conditions attached with the expected IMF loan, Mr Gilani dispelled the impression that it would affect the national economy.

He said the government was cautious and the loan had been approved on the terms and conditions that were in the national interest.