US wants successful society in Pakistan: Boucher

ISLAMABAD : United States wants to see a successful society in Pakistan and it looks forward to support democracy and democratic process in the country, US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Richard Boucher said Friday.“ I have told all the political heads of Pakistan that US wants to support democracy and democratic government in Pakistan,” Richard Boucher told newsmen in a joint press conference with PPP Co-Chairman Senator Asif Ali Zardari here.
“We today talked with Mr.Zardari over plans and programmes of the new coalition government. We have very consistent message for everyone that there is a real opportunity for the people of the country and we look forward to support them,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion PPPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari said that we have had very constructive dialogue with Mr.Boucher. We have brought into his notice that people of Pakistan have spoken and the new parliament is ready to work as per peoples’ aspirations.
“People of Pakistan are as always hospitable and willing to engage people of US in dialogue because democracies make better friends than dictatorship,” Zardari said.
He said that Pakistan had a long relationship with the US through all the times and he has been assured by Mr.Boucher and Americans from around the world that their country was looking forward friendship and wanted better relationship with people of Pakistan.
“I feel happy to announce that US has been very encouraging and we are going to work together,” Zardari added.
In reply to a question about financial aid to Pakistan,
Mr.Boucher said that we had been giving full support to people of Pakistan because success of Pakistan is very important for them.
“We have plans for the future too, and we have to look the areas where we have to move ahead and we can support,” he said, adding, “we should be expanding our support and this government would also extend its cooperation.”
In reply to another question, Boucher said,the terrorists
are plotting and planning attacks against innocent people of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Europe and United States therefore we have to make arrangements to deal them.
“ We recognize that military means are not only necessary so we are also providing education and economic opportunities. We have programme to work out with future Pakistani government for development of tribal region,” Boucher added.
Senator Asif Ali Zardari, in reply to a question said, PPP’s definition about war against terrorism is same that of Pakistani people.
“ We think it is Pakistan’s war and not of any one else today it is in our streets, it’s in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, we will have to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty and the soil,” he said.
Boucher said,” I fully agree, it is the right of every Pakistani to live safely and comfortably in their homes.”
He said, we have to move together to stabilize Pakistan and to help Pakistanis to avail economic opportunities safely. We hope for a successful society in Pakistan, he added.
To a question about discussing the issue of war against terror in Pakistani Parliament, Boucher said, “Obviously it is a big national issue. We would fully expect of the political leaders of the country to discuss it if they want to make their decision how to pursue the war on terror.
“ And, I think that we could see something that we could support, therefore a multifaceted approach is required,” he added.
Boucher hoped that US Congress would pass legislation to support reconstruction and development of tribal areas of Pakistan.