Obama signs Kerry Lugar bill
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US note dilutes some conditions in Kerry-Lugar bill
By Anwar Iqbal
Wednesday, 14 Oct, 2009
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/13+pakistan+concerns+to+be+addressed+kerry-za-08#
WASHINGTON: The requirement for an effective civilian control over promotions and strategic planning in the Pakistani military is not mentioned in a new joint explanatory statement of the US Congress issued on Wednesday.
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 the promotion of Pakistani military officers or the internal operations of the Pakistani military, said an explanatory note attached to the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009.
The explanatory note also dilutes the requirement that needed Pakistan to interrogate any Pakistani national involved in nuclear proliferation and to allow US officials access to such a person.
A new clause included in the explanatory note now reflects our understanding that cooperative effort currently being undertaken by the governments of Pakistan and the United States to combat proliferation will continue.
Section 302 of the act Congress passed late last month required the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to appropriate congressional committees to justify the continuation of security and military assistance to Pakistan. A failure to issue such a report could cause the aid to be discontinued.
Theres no such requirement for economic assistance. The secretarys report shall include an assessment of the extent to which the Pakistan government exercises effective civilian control of the military.
This report should also include a description of the extent to which civilian executive leaders and parliament exercise oversight and approval of military budgets, the chain of command, the process of promotion for senior military leaders, civilian involvement in strategic guidance and planning, and military involvement in civil administration, said the original document.
Pakistani diplomats, however, explained to the media on Wednesday that while the above clause could not be deleted from the bill, the explanatory statement would make it ineffective. The administration will no longer be asked to issue such a report.
Missing from the explanatory note are words like civilian executive leaders and parliament exercising the power of oversight and approval and the requirement that the military will not get involved in civil administration.
The explanatory note also states that even the remaining requirement can be waived if the determination is made by the Secretary of State in the interest of (US) national security that this was necessary to continue military assistance to Pakistan.
Interestingly, the requirement for effective civilian control over the military was also absent from the original Senate version of the Kerry-Lugar bill.
The earlier bill said that the US intended to work with the government of Pakistan to ensure that Pakistan had strong and effective law-enforcement and national defence forces, under civilian leadership, with sufficient and appropriate security equipment and training to effectively defend Pakistan against internal and external threats.
In this clause, there was no mention of civilian control over chain of command or the process of promotion in the Pakistan army or any thing else hair-raising about the armed forces.
The explanatory note was issued jointly by the US House of Representatives and the Senate, clarifying their intent behind the aid to Pakistan bill.
The statement stresses that the US neither seeks to micromanage Pakistani affairs nor impinge on its sovereignty.
Senator John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Congressman Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, read out part of the statement inside Capitol Hill, standing beside Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
This document today is I think a historic document, a step forward in our relationship, Qureshi told a joint news conference with Senator Kerry and Congressman Berman.
'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 it and we will strengthen it, he said.
Senator Kerry and Congressman Berman reaffirmed their resolve to forge a long-term relationship with Pakistan, adding that the legislation, now being called as Kerry-Lugar-Berman Act, manifests the American commitment to economic uplift of the Pakistani people.
There is nothing in this bill that impinges on Pakistani sovereignty, period, said Senator Kerry.
The joint statement says that the reports envisioned in Section 302 are not binding on Pakistan, and require only the provision of information by the executive branch to the US Congress, in furtherance of the proposed legislations stated purpose of strengthening civilian institutions and the democratically-elected government of Pakistan.
The final text of the legislation reflects an agreement reached by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The purpose of this explanatory statement is to facilitate accurate interpretation of the text and to ensure faithful implementation of its provisions in accordance with the intentions of the legislation, said Senator Kerry.
The core intent of the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act is to demonstrate the American peoples long-term commitment to the people of Pakistan, he added.
Senator Kerry and Congressman Berman said that the United States valued its friendship with the Pakistani people and honoured the great sacrifices made by Pakistani security forces in the fight against extremism, and the legislation reflected the goals shared by the two governments.
The joint statement emphasised that the legislation does not seek in any way to compromise Pakistans sovereignty, impinge on Pakistans national security interests, or micromanage any aspect of Pakistani military or civilian operations.
There are no conditions on Pakistan attached to the authorisation of $7.5 billion in non-military aid.
The only requirements on this funding are financial accountability measures that Congress is imposing on the US executive branch, to ensure that this assistance supports programmes that most benefit the Pakistani people.
President Barack Obama has till midnight Friday to sign the Kerry-Lugar bill and he will sign it before that, according to White House spokesman Robert Gibbs.
By Anwar Iqbal
Wednesday, 14 Oct, 2009
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/13+pakistan+concerns+to+be+addressed+kerry-za-08#
WASHINGTON: The requirement for an effective civilian control over promotions and strategic planning in the Pakistani military is not mentioned in a new joint explanatory statement of the US Congress issued on Wednesday.
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 the promotion of Pakistani military officers or the internal operations of the Pakistani military, said an explanatory note attached to the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009.
The explanatory note also dilutes the requirement that needed Pakistan to interrogate any Pakistani national involved in nuclear proliferation and to allow US officials access to such a person.
A new clause included in the explanatory note now reflects our understanding that cooperative effort currently being undertaken by the governments of Pakistan and the United States to combat proliferation will continue.
Section 302 of the act Congress passed late last month required the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to appropriate congressional committees to justify the continuation of security and military assistance to Pakistan. A failure to issue such a report could cause the aid to be discontinued.
Theres no such requirement for economic assistance. The secretarys report shall include an assessment of the extent to which the Pakistan government exercises effective civilian control of the military.
This report should also include a description of the extent to which civilian executive leaders and parliament exercise oversight and approval of military budgets, the chain of command, the process of promotion for senior military leaders, civilian involvement in strategic guidance and planning, and military involvement in civil administration, said the original document.
Pakistani diplomats, however, explained to the media on Wednesday that while the above clause could not be deleted from the bill, the explanatory statement would make it ineffective. The administration will no longer be asked to issue such a report.
Missing from the explanatory note are words like civilian executive leaders and parliament exercising the power of oversight and approval and the requirement that the military will not get involved in civil administration.
The explanatory note also states that even the remaining requirement can be waived if the determination is made by the Secretary of State in the interest of (US) national security that this was necessary to continue military assistance to Pakistan.
Interestingly, the requirement for effective civilian control over the military was also absent from the original Senate version of the Kerry-Lugar bill.
The earlier bill said that the US intended to work with the government of Pakistan to ensure that Pakistan had strong and effective law-enforcement and national defence forces, under civilian leadership, with sufficient and appropriate security equipment and training to effectively defend Pakistan against internal and external threats.
In this clause, there was no mention of civilian control over chain of command or the process of promotion in the Pakistan army or any thing else hair-raising about the armed forces.
The explanatory note was issued jointly by the US House of Representatives and the Senate, clarifying their intent behind the aid to Pakistan bill.
The statement stresses that the US neither seeks to micromanage Pakistani affairs nor impinge on its sovereignty.
Senator John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Congressman Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, read out part of the statement inside Capitol Hill, standing beside Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
This document today is I think a historic document, a step forward in our relationship, Qureshi told a joint news conference with Senator Kerry and Congressman Berman.
'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 it and we will strengthen it, he said.
Senator Kerry and Congressman Berman reaffirmed their resolve to forge a long-term relationship with Pakistan, adding that the legislation, now being called as Kerry-Lugar-Berman Act, manifests the American commitment to economic uplift of the Pakistani people.
There is nothing in this bill that impinges on Pakistani sovereignty, period, said Senator Kerry.
The joint statement says that the reports envisioned in Section 302 are not binding on Pakistan, and require only the provision of information by the executive branch to the US Congress, in furtherance of the proposed legislations stated purpose of strengthening civilian institutions and the democratically-elected government of Pakistan.
The final text of the legislation reflects an agreement reached by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The purpose of this explanatory statement is to facilitate accurate interpretation of the text and to ensure faithful implementation of its provisions in accordance with the intentions of the legislation, said Senator Kerry.
The core intent of the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act is to demonstrate the American peoples long-term commitment to the people of Pakistan, he added.
Senator Kerry and Congressman Berman said that the United States valued its friendship with the Pakistani people and honoured the great sacrifices made by Pakistani security forces in the fight against extremism, and the legislation reflected the goals shared by the two governments.
The joint statement emphasised that the legislation does not seek in any way to compromise Pakistans sovereignty, impinge on Pakistans national security interests, or micromanage any aspect of Pakistani military or civilian operations.
There are no conditions on Pakistan attached to the authorisation of $7.5 billion in non-military aid.
The only requirements on this funding are financial accountability measures that Congress is imposing on the US executive branch, to ensure that this assistance supports programmes that most benefit the Pakistani people.
President Barack Obama has till midnight Friday to sign the Kerry-Lugar bill and he will sign it before that, according to White House spokesman Robert Gibbs.
H2O3C4Nitrogen
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Spring Onion
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dont be excited the conditions are not diluted. It was merely a clarification statment ealier. The Bill singed by Obama is the same which has conditions
batmannow
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so, wht is your understanding , about this all situation?
Dust throwing into the eyes of Pakistanis by PPP-US.
On the other hand even if PPP commits to US over all its conditions, it will be disasterous for democracy.
read the origional bill. It is clearly giving rights to US to decide about your civilian government and its functions besides medelling in your defence policies and army.
At the end PPP and its allied pro-US parties will eat up the money and nothing will be done for common Pakistanis.
Some people are spreading misconception that now money will be used for civilian population which is not likely going to be
sathruvinasakh
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Obama signs Kerry Lugar Bill
U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday signed into law, the Kerry Lugar Bill that will provide USD 7.5 billion aid to Pakistan in the next five years, a day after the Congress assured Islamabad that the legislation does not seek to compromise its sovereignty and national interests.
Mr. Obama signed the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 popularly known as Kerry Lugar Bill, a day before the expiry of the mandatory 10 days time after the bill was sent to him by the Congress.
This law is the tangible manifestation of broad support for Pakistan in the US, as evidenced by its bipartisan, bicameral, unanimous passage in Congress, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement.
Mr. Gibbs said that the new law was based on a shared commitment to improving living conditions in Pakistan, strengthening democracy and the rule of law, and combating extremism that threatens both Pakistan and the United States.
Mr. Obamas move came after days of drama over the package, which saw Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi rush to Washington after the countrys powerful Army opposed to certain conditions of the legislation.
The bill lays down a programme for USD 7.5 billion non-military aid to Pakistan over the next five years, tripling the US aid to the country.
The Pakistan Army last week raised serious concerns over the provision requiring periodical assessments by the US Secretary of State to provide certification that the military is not subverting Pakistans political and judicial processes.
These assessments have to include a description of the extent to which civilian executive leaders and parliament exercise oversight and approval of military budgets, the chain of command, process of promotion for senior military leaders, civilian involvement in strategic guidance and planning, and military involvement in civil administration.
The assessments also have to verify whether US aid is being diverted directly or indirectly to expand Pakistans nuclear weapons programme.
The bill also asks Pakistan to cease support to terrorist groups on its soil, dismantle terrorist camps in Quetta, Muridke and other areas that threaten its neighbours.
The Bill also asks Pakistan to provide information or direct access to the proliferation network operating in Pakistan without mentioning disgraced nuclear scientist A Q Khan by name.
The provisions were being viewed as highly intrusive by the Pakistani military establishment, which raised its concerns and reservations at a meeting of corps commanders, chaired by Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani last week.
The US Congress on Wednesday issued an explanatory statement in an effort to placate the concerns of Pakistan on the aid bill which says that the legislation does not seek in any way to compromise Islamabads sovereignty and impinge on its security interests.
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 the promotion of Pakistani military officers or the internal operations of the Pakistani military, said the explanatory note attached to the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009.
The Hindu : News / International : Obama signs Kerry Lugar Bill
U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday signed into law, the Kerry Lugar Bill that will provide USD 7.5 billion aid to Pakistan in the next five years, a day after the Congress assured Islamabad that the legislation does not seek to compromise its sovereignty and national interests.
Mr. Obama signed the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 popularly known as Kerry Lugar Bill, a day before the expiry of the mandatory 10 days time after the bill was sent to him by the Congress.
This law is the tangible manifestation of broad support for Pakistan in the US, as evidenced by its bipartisan, bicameral, unanimous passage in Congress, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement.
Mr. Gibbs said that the new law was based on a shared commitment to improving living conditions in Pakistan, strengthening democracy and the rule of law, and combating extremism that threatens both Pakistan and the United States.
Mr. Obamas move came after days of drama over the package, which saw Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi rush to Washington after the countrys powerful Army opposed to certain conditions of the legislation.
The bill lays down a programme for USD 7.5 billion non-military aid to Pakistan over the next five years, tripling the US aid to the country.
The Pakistan Army last week raised serious concerns over the provision requiring periodical assessments by the US Secretary of State to provide certification that the military is not subverting Pakistans political and judicial processes.
These assessments have to include a description of the extent to which civilian executive leaders and parliament exercise oversight and approval of military budgets, the chain of command, process of promotion for senior military leaders, civilian involvement in strategic guidance and planning, and military involvement in civil administration.
The assessments also have to verify whether US aid is being diverted directly or indirectly to expand Pakistans nuclear weapons programme.
The bill also asks Pakistan to cease support to terrorist groups on its soil, dismantle terrorist camps in Quetta, Muridke and other areas that threaten its neighbours.
The Bill also asks Pakistan to provide information or direct access to the proliferation network operating in Pakistan without mentioning disgraced nuclear scientist A Q Khan by name.
The provisions were being viewed as highly intrusive by the Pakistani military establishment, which raised its concerns and reservations at a meeting of corps commanders, chaired by Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani last week.
The US Congress on Wednesday issued an explanatory statement in an effort to placate the concerns of Pakistan on the aid bill which says that the legislation does not seek in any way to compromise Islamabads sovereignty and impinge on its security interests.
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 the promotion of Pakistani military officers or the internal operations of the Pakistani military, said the explanatory note attached to the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009.
The Hindu : News / International : Obama signs Kerry Lugar Bill
H2O3C4Nitrogen
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Actually i was not exited i was amused that US had a way to go...
Even they dealt with Army's reaction with a pinch of salt ...
Even they dealt with Army's reaction with a pinch of salt ...
batmannow
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simply great, input!
but in these conditions, the chances are growing for a MILITRY coup, at last?
Spring Onion
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AgNoStiC MuSliM
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Jana,
The bill is not a treaty, Pakistan is not obliged to do anything, and the PPP cannot argue that it is doing XYZ because of any 'international obligations'.
Assuming the US wants to micromanage Pakistan and influence military promotions etc., how will the US do so?
Through the Zardari government correct?
And if so, do you really think the Zardari government needed this bill to accomplish that?
Assuming the above, the fact is that by raising a stink in the media over this, and forcing the Zardari government and US admin and legislature to clarify the conditions on the bill, any domestic changes in Pakistan will have to be owned by the PPP - it can't say it is because of the US bill.
The bill is not a treaty, Pakistan is not obliged to do anything, and the PPP cannot argue that it is doing XYZ because of any 'international obligations'.
Assuming the US wants to micromanage Pakistan and influence military promotions etc., how will the US do so?
Through the Zardari government correct?
And if so, do you really think the Zardari government needed this bill to accomplish that?
Assuming the above, the fact is that by raising a stink in the media over this, and forcing the Zardari government and US admin and legislature to clarify the conditions on the bill, any domestic changes in Pakistan will have to be owned by the PPP - it can't say it is because of the US bill.
AgNoStiC MuSliM
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''As far as the Congress is concerned, Pakistan can do what it wants...it just wont get the money if the administration cannot report on the course correction recommended by Congress,'' a legislative expert who asked not to be named explained on the sidelines of a South Asia seminar on Wednesday.
So don't blame the US for any changes in domestic policy the Zardari government enacts - and the only changes that might evoke concern are those related to the nuclear program and military promotions.
So don't blame the US for any changes in domestic policy the Zardari government enacts - and the only changes that might evoke concern are those related to the nuclear program and military promotions.
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''As far as the Congress is concerned, Pakistan can do what it wants...it just wont get the money if the administration cannot report on the course correction recommended by Congress,'' a legislative expert who asked not to be named explained on the sidelines of a South Asia seminar on Wednesday.
So don't blame the US for any changes in domestic policy the Zardari government enacts - and the only changes that might evoke concern are those related to the nuclear program and military promotions.
Yup... it is up to Pakistan to decide whether it wants the aid or not. But it's more likely that the government will comply than make an attempt to wriggle out of it even.
(@ any mod. out there: run a spell check on the title of this thread..."Re: BREAKING NEWS! president obamma sgins kery loger bill!.....)
Spring Onion
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I know . And agree even if PPP accepts and imposed it i dont think so they can pressurise Army for following it. and if it had failed to fulfill its commitment with US, it means something will follow, any change either of the government or Zardari.
Agno The US does not need Zardari just to shift the entire responsibility on the "democratic" govt of Pakistan in other words US wants to put the gun at the shoulders of Pakistani government.
On the other hand Zardari Govt do need money in exchange for acompilshing what is in the bill otherwise there would not have been a Bill bounding the current govt to own all the responsibility.
Assuming the above, the fact is that by raising a stink in the media over this, and forcing the Zardari government and US admin and legislature to clarify the conditions on the bill, any domestic changes in Pakistan will have to be owned by the PPP - it can't say it is because of the US bill.[/QUOTE]
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WOW again.......
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