WASHINGTON, Oct 18 (APP):
President George W Bush has approved provision of a U.S. anti-submarine frigate to Pakistan, which will be refurbished with latest systems and delivered to the South Asian country in August 2010. The Pakistani embassy in Washington has been informed that the U.S. president signed a bill Friday, authorizing provision of Frigate FFG-8 McInerney anti-submarine (type Oliver Hazard Perry) from the American fleet.
The U.S. Congress has already endorsed the decision.
Pakistans ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani lobbied hectically over the last few weeks on the Capitol Hill and worked closely with the U.S. departments of State and Defense as well as senior officials at the White House to secure support for Pakistans request, which received a positive response inside a month.
In his several interactions, Haqqani made a strong case for Pakistan, arguing that the United States should help improve its allys maritime security capabilities.
This ship will enhance Pakistans ability to monitor territorial waters, an embassy official said.
Pakistan plays a key role as member of the Combined Task Force 150 of anti-terrorism allies which conducts maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Pakistan has twice commanded the force.
The frigate will be refurbished with anti-submarine missile and other latest systems at a cost of $ 65 million.
