US aid to Pakistan splits army, government

Space War ^ | 10/9/2009 | Staff Writers

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Pakistan's parliament resumed debate on a massive US aid package Thursday, after rifts opened up between the military and the government over strings attached to the funding. In an unusual public statement late Wednesday, top military commanders including the army chief said they had "serious concerns" about the bill, which hinges some aid on hard-up Pakistan's efforts to battle Islamist extremism.

US Congress last week voted to triple aid to Pakistan to 7.5 billion dollars over the next five years, part of US President Barack Obama's plan to battle militancy through development and fostering democratic institutions.

Opposition MP Faisal Saleh Hayat, who served as a minister in former military ruler Pervez Musharraf's government, attacked the bill, saying it "threatens Pakistan's sovereignty," local television Express reported.

"No one will accept aid with conditions," he said.

The first round of debate Wednesday saw Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani vow to build national consensus, adding that "our army is pro-democracy and highly professional," the Associated Press of Pakistan quoted him as saying.

Gilani also spoke with President Asif Ali Zardari and influential army chief General Ashfaq Kayani about the issue, after a rebuke earlier from the military.

"The forum expressed serious concern regarding clauses impacting on national security. A formal input is being provided to the government," said a statement issued after a meeting of the military top brass.