Rep. Ackerman Denounces Pakistani Hostility to U.S. AID

October 7, 2009 -- (Washington, DC) - U.S. Congressman Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, tonight issued the following statement:

“I’ve noted with concern the recent debate in Pakistan concerning the legislation recently passed by the U.S. Congress to strengthen our partnership with Pakistan and to aid that country with some of its most pressing domestic and security concerns.

Article continues below...

As I said during debate on the legislation in the House of Representatives, I am skeptical about whether this assistance bill truly represents a meeting of the minds between ourselves and the people and the government of Pakistan. Frankly, I doubt that our money can buy us much good will. Nevertheless, recognizing the vital U.S. interests at stake in South Asia in the fight against extremism and terrorism, I felt the Kerry-Lugar bill, for all its flaws, was absolutely necessary.

But we can not build a partnership by ourselves. It just can’t be done.

If the people of Pakistan really don’t want our assistance; if they don’t want to be our partner in establishing a truly secure and harmonious region; if, after so much effort and sacrifice by our two countries working together, they still don’t even believe that we wish them well—and, worse, are prepared to say so only days after the United States Congress made an unprecedented commitment of long-term assistance—then I suppose we need to face the truth sooner than later.

I had concerns about the wisdom of the Kerry-Lugar bill before it was passed. The recent debate in Pakistan has only increased my trepidation.

If Pakistan doesn’t want us as a partner, that’s up to them. But should they take such a decision, they should do so knowing full well that our military assistance, advanced technology and intelligence cooperation are not gifts, but the specific consequences of our cooperation. They should likewise, be aware that these things are not reserved for them and that American interests in South Asia are not limited to just Pakistan. We don’t sell F-16s and Harpoon missiles to just anyone.

Pakistan is a sovereign state. I respect that and I want them to be our partner as an equal. But I have no interest in partnership which exists just in name, or is mostly characterized by suspicion, resentment and political manipulation. In the end, Pakistan, like ourselves, will have to make some hard choices about where their interests really lie.”

Source: Congressman Gary Ackerman