Clinton Urges Lawmakers To Approve USD 3.2 Bn Pakistan Aid

[Purveyor]

(RTTNews) - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged American lawmakers Wednesday to approve the Obama Administration's proposal of USD 3.2-billion civil and military aid to Pakistan for fiscal 2011. The package includes $ 1.5 billion under the Kerry-Lugar-Berman initiative and $ 1.2 billion for combating insurgency.

In her testimony before a key Congressional committee, she identified Pakistan as a front-line State along with Afghanistan and Iraq, as she as she put forth the objectives of the Obama Administration's request for State and Foreign Operations budget in the new fiscal year beginning October 1, 2010.

Clinton said the proposed aid would support Islamabad's efforts to achieve economic development, combat extremism as well as help build a long-term relationship with the United States.
"In Pakistan, our request includes USD 3.2 billion to combat extremism, promote economic development, strengthen democratic institutions, and build a long-term relationship with the Pakistani people," she told the lawmakers.

Clinton appreciated the recent steps taken by the government of Pakistan headed by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, and noted the Obama Administration had committed to some large energy projects, as a part of Pakistan's economic challenge was "keeping the power on and keeping those factories humming."

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