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| Friday, June 29, 2001-- Rabi-us-Sani 06,1422 A.H | |
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US Congressman for revival of democracy in Pakistan By Amir Mateen WASHINGTON: Chairman of the House Committee on International Relations Henry Hyde has joined the chorus of American political mainstream in asking the Musharraf government to restore the democratic process. Hyde, who is the most influential voice in the Congress after the Senate majority moving to Democrats, also declared his support for the people of Kashmir. While addressing Pakistan American Congress (PAC), gathered at the Hill to observe 'Pakistan Day', Hyde expressed the hope that "the principle of self-determination, which is the essence of democracy, will manifest in the ongoing dialogue." He said in no uncertain terms that tensions between India and Pakistan make the world nervous. "I hope that good would come out of the Musharraf-Vajpayee summit," he said, adding, "both had capability for weapons of mass destruction and I just pray that they sit down and resolve matters." Hyde's support for Pakistan matters. While the community members gave him standing ovation, he said Pakistan had not been given the credit that it deserved for ending the cold war. "Pakistan had to pay big price for its services for the US," he said, "I am glad that at least World Bank aid had been restored." Hyde was introduced by PAC's outgoing Chairman, Dr Riaz Ahmad and his supporter from Chicago Murtaza Arain. The annual get-together turned out to be grand success as far as the response of the Congress members was concerned. Over two dozen Congress members, including some familiar sympathisers like Dan Burton, pledged their support. Hyde's support for democracy echoed what has become a consistent theme with US scholars, officials and legislature. Musharraf's elevation seems to have provoked extra emphasis on the revival of democracy. The same theme was followed earlier by the newly appointed Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Christina Rocca. She categorically stated that democracy sanctions against Pakistan would remain in place until the US president was satisfied that a democratic process had been restored in the country. Addressing the Pakistani community, she said General Pervez Musharraf's decision to become president had raised new questions about Pakistan's will to return to a democratic order. Rocca stressed that while the US-Pakistan relationship faced problems that should not be minimized, effort should be to initiate a process of narrowing differences and finding ways to tackle issues that led to the sanctions in the first place. About foreign minister Abdullah Stator's recent visit, she said it was a first step in this direction. On Afghanistan, she acknowledged that they had differences but was optimistic that they would eventually find common ground. "Pakistan-United States friendship extended over half a century, and had overcome many crises," Rocca said. But the imbalance in the relationship should be corrected, and it should not be about seeing Pakistan in the context of any other country. A policy that was specifically about Pakistan should be formulated, she said. Rocca said the US was pleased that Pakistan was following the path of dialogue with India and also praised Pakistan's efforts at economic reconstruction, which she said had begun to show results, and described the new budget as a good one She said the Bush administration was reviewing policy in respect of all regions, including Pakistan. The US wanted a stable, democratic and prosperous Pakistan, which already occupied a central place in its region. Pakistan ambassador Maleeha Lodhi also addressed the community and made a strong case for the lifting of sanctions. She said she could understand the rationale for imposing democracy sanctions, but other layers of sanctions had lost their utility. She said Pakistan expected symmetry in the lifting of sanctions. The highest priority was revival of the economy, and the US sanctions were an impediment in the way. "If you can't help us, at least don't hurt us," she asked the US. PAC stalwarts like Dr Zaire Lehman, Ashram Toro, Shad Ahmad Khan, Dr Arched Mires, Dr Wasiullah Khanand Salman Zafar, Dr Nisar Chaudhar and Omer Bokhari had put in lots of effort to make the event a success.
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