US assures help to execute FODP projects

ISLAMABAD: US Special Representative for Afghanistan And Pakistan, Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke Saturday said all the members of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP) should ensure full implementation on the projects identified in the meeting of senior officials for their early completion.

Addressing the senior officials meeting of FODP, held here under the chairmanship of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Richard Holbrooke, leading American delegation appreciating the work of Task Force on energy sector said that it will help to resolve energy crisis in Pakistan.

Holbrooke appreciated the efforts of Federal Secretary Water and Power Shahid Rafi for his contribution in the work of the Task Force.

He said key to progress will be the government's commitment to implement badly needed reforms, and the commitment of the FODP to help facilitate both public and private international investment in the energy sector.

He assured American help in the implementation on the projects identified in energy sector.

He said the FODP was created two years ago to galvanize international support for Pakistan's democratically elected civilian government. He said it was meant to match international expertise and support with Pakistani policy planning and reform efforts.

Regarding Post-Conflict Reconstruction, Richard Holbrooke welcoming the report of the Khyber Pakhtunkwa authorities on the assessment being developed with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UN, and EU said members of FODP would extend full cooperation and assistance in this regard.

Holbrooke suggested that the next priority area for the FODP should be water as Pakistan faces severe water challenges that hamper its economic development and create internal discord.

Referring to Tokyo Donors Conference held in April 2009 where international donors pledged over $5.2 billion, Holbrooke said these pledges should be ensured.

He said, "According to our latest records, the international community has disbursed or obligated $1.7 billion of the $5.2 billion pledges made at the Tokyo Conference."

Holbrooke said U.S. has delivered $520 million of the $1 billion pledge made in Tokyo, for social support, health, education, energy, and water, and ensured that U.S. will deliver the remainder as promised.

Acknowledging that many donors are making progress in delivering on their pledges, he said all of the donors must understand the urgency of this effort.

He said, "Pakistan has made progress in the past 20 months of democratic rule, but these gains are fragile and those who oppose democracy in Pakistan are becoming more aggressive."

Holbrooke said every donor has to set a goal to deliver additional assistance before the October ministerial of the FODP adding "all of us need to do a better job of communicating our activities with one another, the Government of Pakistan, and the Pakistani people."