Astana, Kazakhstan- Today, Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Co-Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), led a bi-partisan Congressional delegation to Islamabad, Pakistan. The Members of the delegation included, Helsinki Commissioners Representatives Mike McIntyre (D-NC) and Robert Aderholt (R-AL) as well as Representatives Zach Wamp (R-TN) and Loretta Sanchez (D-CA). The delegation met with President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, and U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson. During the meetings, the delegation focused on U.S.-Pakistan relations, regional security, as well as human rights and democratic development.
“Our delegation held candid discussions with President Musharraf and Prime Minister Gillani earlier today. Pakistan is an important ally and strategic partner in confronting Al-Qaeda. The government of Pakistan remains concerned over security and the need to directly confront this terrorist threat not only within Pakistan, but also along the border with Afghanistan,” Co-Chairman Cardin noted in Islamabad.
“In our meetings, we were encouraged by the unity among Pakistani leaders to confront terrorists and make the necessary economic reforms for the people of Pakistan, consistent with the Helsinki principles.
“As Co-Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, I was pleased to get reassurances from the government that they are committed to the values and ideals the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe embraces,” said Co-Chairman Cardin.
