Chorus of Calls to Halt Aid to Pakistan Getting Louder on Capitol Hill

[babylonsister]

Chorus of Calls to Halt Aid to Pakistan Getting Louder on Capitol Hill
By Colby Itkowitz, CQ Staff

Calls on Capitol Hill to cut aid to Pakistan grew Wednesday, as the Bush administration defended its policy of maintaining close ties with President Pervez Musharraf despite his declaration of emergency rule.

Many lawmakers urged the administration to follow the same tough approach it has taken recently with countries such as Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, by slicing economic and military aid to Pakistan until democracy is restored.

“President Musharraf must be told to revoke martial law, release the thousands of Pakistanis imprisoned in recent days, restore freedom of the press, relinquish his military position and proceed with democratic reforms,” said Jane Harman , D-Calif., a former senior member of the House Intelligence Committee. “American military and economic aid should be suspended until he does so.”
White House Stance

The White House has been reviewing U.S. assistance to Pakistan but appears reluctant to punish Musharraf by cutting off or reducing aid because he has been a strong regional ally in the U.S. efforts to fight terrorism since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

more...

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002623718