US doesn't take a position on candidates for political office in Pakistan: Matthew Miller
WASHINGTON (92 News) - US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller has said that America does not take a position on candidates for political office in Pakistan or any other country.
To a question about the aid package of US$4 million for Pakistani security forces to bolster counterterrorism capabilities during a press briefing on Tuesday, he said: "With respect to the announcement that US Ambassador in Pakistan Donald Blome made, we will be pursuing four new initiatives to support the Balochistan police in their efforts to protect and serve their local communities. We’re going to provide US$4 million in assistance to expand the anti-terrorist force training facility – US$2 million to repair or replace 10 flood-damaged police stations; US$2 million to construct 10 new police stations that incorporate the same model to improve service to women, girls, and all Pakistanis; and an additional US$250,000 in equipment to protect law enforcement officers in the course of conducting their work.
"These initiatives build on more than 40 years of partnership between the US mission in Pakistan and the Pakistani government on civilian security and rule of law. And from our standpoint, the partnership improves justice institutions and provides law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to protect Pakistan citizens."
Responding to another query about deportation of illegal Afghan nationals, but on the request of US government Pakistan would not deport 25,000 Afghan refugees who are waiting for their American visas, Matthew Miller said that they are in close and constant communication with the Pakistan government on the safety of individuals in the US pipeline.
"It is our desire to work in good faith with the Pakistan government to address any concerns that it may have. Our key concern is the safety of the vulnerable and at-risk individuals. We believe it is in both our countries’ interest to ensure the safe and efficient resettlement of refugees and asylum speakers – asylum seekers. And we join all of our partners in urging all countries, including Pakistan, to uphold their respective obligations in the treatment of refugees and asylum speakers – or asylum seekers, and strongly encourage all of Afghanistan’s neighbor to – neighbors to allow entry for Afghans seeking international protection, and coordinate with international humanitarian organizations to provide humanitarian assistance," he added.
