US senators warn Pakistan of deterioration in ties

WASHINGTON (NNI): Four US senators, who recently visited Pakistan, have warned against deterioration of Pak-US ties if Islamabad does not remove Washingtons concern over issues of terrorism, democracy, nuclear non-proliferation Islamic militancy and religious freedom of all citizens.

"Pakistan faces a window of opportunity for improving upon this relationship but that window could close if there is no progress in addressing the concerns we raised," the senators said in a statement at conclusion of their visit to southwest Asia.

According to a statement, issued by the US Information Center Islamabad, the Senators, in each of their meetings, stressed five key principles that must be addressed by the current Pakistani leadership and that are of significant concern to the United States. The issues included 1) the urgent need to address the threat of terrorism and militant religious fundamentalism, both within Pakistan and internationally, 2) publicly declare a road map for the restoration of democracy that sets forth a firm time line and clear objectives, 3) engage in broad economic reform in order to create the conditions that will permit democratic reforms to take root, 4) sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and contribute to international efforts to control the spread of nuclear weapons, and 5) to ensure the political, religious and economic freedoms of all of its citizens.

"Given our historically good ties and Pakistans strategic importance, we very much want to see them succeed. Based on our meetings with General Musharraf and others we are cautiously optimistic they will soon begin addressing our concerns and make a successful transition to democracy," the Senators said.

"For five decades Pakistan has been a loyal and trusted friend of the United States, however for a variety of reasons this relationship is now at a crossroads," the statement quoted the senators as saying.

The Senators conducted lengthy discussions with key Pakistani leaders, including Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf, Foreign Minister Abdus Sattar, and representatives from the Pakistan Muslim League and several opposition parties. In addition, during their two day visit, they met with figures from important human rights organizations.

The purpose of the trip was to discuss key issues of concern to both the United States and several countries in Southwest Asia including stemming terrorism, halting the spread of nuclear weapons, improving economic ties and enhancing regional stability.

The delegation also visited India and Nepal and conducted a series of discussions with senior government officials and other important policy makers.

The delegation included: Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD), Assistant Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), a senior ember of the Foreign Relations Committee and Daniel Akaka (D-HI), the ranking member on the Non-Proliferation Subcommittee of the Government Affairs Committee concluded their recent visit to Southwest Asia.