Obama Administration supportive of democratic Pakistani government: Holbrooke
 

U.S. special representative Richard Holbrooke Friday reaffirmed Obama administration's support for Pakistan's democratically elected government but said Washington was not interfering in the country's internal affairs. 

He said the U.S. has been watching the recent situation with sympathy and support for the democratic government.

"Political instability is always a concern in any country. But I think all sides in Pakistan's current political situation have said that the United States does not need to get involved and should not get involved. So we are not," he stated.

The U.S. diplomat was replying to a question at a roundtable with Pakistani journalists at the State Department.

"If we are asked to get involved and people thought that we could be helpful, as it sometimes occurred in the past, we will be happy to do so."

"But we are watching with sympathy and support for civilian government in Pakistan," Holbrooke, who travels to Islamabd next week, added.

When asked if his comments will have a politcal impact in the country, Holbrooke responded.

"That is standard American position. The Obama Administration has been unambiguous in supporting the democratically elected civlian government of Pakistan and everybody knows that. And it may have impact, it may not. What I simply said what is a factually correct statement.There is no news in that.

"We are not intefereing in the domestic affairs of Pakistan but we are friends of the Pakistani people and the democratically elected governemnt.

"But, you know, we talk to everybody in Pakistan. We have great respect for the Pakistani military and what they have been able to achieve under very difficult conditions in the West. And we have good relations with the party led by Nawaz Sharif.

And we have good relations with the other parties." Holbrooke saw an improvement in U.S.-Pakistan relationship under the Obama Administration over the past one year and reiterated Washington's close cooperation in economic and energy fields.

He cited economic assistance for Pakistan under Kerry Lugar Bill and recently allocated $ 55 million for South Waziristan.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had a very successful visit to Pakistan and the two countries have now upgraded the strategic dialogue, he remarked.

Ambassador Holbrooke said recent delay in issuance of Pakistani visas for Americans was not a major issue and added the Pakistani embassy in Washington has assured of clearance for their issuance.

Holbrooke said the recent security regulations introduced by the American Transport Security Administration - in the wake of Christmas Day's attempted terrorist attack by a Nigerian - are not discriminatory against Pakistanis.

WASHINGTON, Jan 8 (APP):

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