ID :
174654
Mon, 04/11/2011 - 19:20
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/174654
The shortlink copeid
Afghan war is destabilizing Pakistan: President Zardari
London (PPI) - The Afghan war is "destabilizing Pakistan and undermining democratic development,” President Asif Ali Zardari says. In an interview with the Guardian newspaper, he said there was “widespread concern” at the pace of efforts to bring an end to conflict in Afghanistan. "Just as the Mexican drug war on United States borders makes a difference to Texas and American society, we are talking about a war on our border which is obviously having a huge effect," Zardari added.
"I think it is maybe 12 years since America has become engaged in Afghanistan and obviously everybody's patience is on edge, especially the American public, which is looking for answers," he is also quoted as saying.
He also said the security situation was undermining attempts to bolster democratic institutions weakened during the military rule of his predecessor, General Pervez Musharraf. "Democracy is evolving. It's a new democracy. It takes time to bring institutions back. Anti-US sentiment, among both ordinary Pakistanis and the country's top civil and military leaders, remains high,” he stated.
A recent White House report said Pakistan lacked its own plan to fight insurgents in the country. But President Zardari told the Guardian that this was not true and that most US politicians lacked an understanding of the situation.
"The US has been an ally of Pakistan for the last 60 years. We respect and appreciate their political system. So every time a new parliament comes in, new boys come in, new representatives come in, it takes them time to understand the international situation, "he said.
"I think it is maybe 12 years since America has become engaged in Afghanistan and obviously everybody's patience is on edge, especially the American public, which is looking for answers," he is also quoted as saying.
He also said the security situation was undermining attempts to bolster democratic institutions weakened during the military rule of his predecessor, General Pervez Musharraf. "Democracy is evolving. It's a new democracy. It takes time to bring institutions back. Anti-US sentiment, among both ordinary Pakistanis and the country's top civil and military leaders, remains high,” he stated.
A recent White House report said Pakistan lacked its own plan to fight insurgents in the country. But President Zardari told the Guardian that this was not true and that most US politicians lacked an understanding of the situation.
"The US has been an ally of Pakistan for the last 60 years. We respect and appreciate their political system. So every time a new parliament comes in, new boys come in, new representatives come in, it takes them time to understand the international situation, "he said.
