No change in Kerry Lugar bill, but explanatory note attached

In a joint "explanatory" statement, two key US Congress committees sought to address Pakistan's concerns on the USD 7.5 billion aid bill, saying the legislation does not seek to compromise its sovereignty, but refused to make changes to the text.

The statement, issued jointly by the Senate and House Foreign Affairs Committees last night, rejected concerns that US was trying to "micro-manage" Pakistan's internal affairs.

"There is no intent to, and nothing in this Act in any way suggests that there should be any US role in micromanaging internal Pakistani affairs, including promotion of Pakistani military officers or the internal operations of the Pakistan military," said the explanatory note.

The statement came after visiting Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi met several Congressional leaders to convey Pakistan's concerns, particularly in the Army which viewed some provisions of the Kerry-Lugar bill as "highly intrusive".
     
Qureshi termed as "historic" the statement on the bill to provide USD 7.5 billion to Pakistan over the next five years, and called for conclusion of the debate in his country.

"I am going back to Pakistan to tell my parliament and conclude the debate on the note that our relationship can move forward, we will deepen and strengthen it," he said.

The explanatory note is to be attached as annex to the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 and the bill will be placed in the US Congress today.