Will not tolerate corruption in aid distribution: US to Pak
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Amid concerns about the high level of corruption in aid distribution in Pakistan, the US has said it will not tolerate corruption in the distribution of aid and flood relief work in the flood-hit country.
"We will not tolerate corruption. The assistance that we are providing is for the people of Pakistan. We want to see this assistance get directly to the people of Pakistan," State Department spokesman, Mr P.J. Crowley, said amidst concerns being expressed in the US media about the high level corruption in aid distribution in Pakistan.
"We have experience based on the earthquake. We are working directly with Pakistani officials who themselves were involved in the earthquake. That helps us with the kind of cooperation and seamless support that we are looking for.
"In terms of assistance, there's all kinds of assistance. Some of it is direct support through our military stocks directly to the Pakistani people. In some cases, it's through non-governmental organisations," Mr Crowley said.
Noting that the US was the midst of transforming its relationship with Pakistan, he said the strategic dialogue was part of that effort.
"We expect Pakistan to do many things for itself. We are committed to help Pakistan build the kind of institutions of government, establish the kind of relationship between its government and its own people," he said.
"We do have expectations that Pakistan will deal with the threat inside its borders which is a threat to Pakistan itself as well as being a threat to the US. We do expect Pakistan to reform its government system. It does need to increase its tax revenue. Pakistan has taken some steps in that direction. It clearly needs to do more," Crowley said.
"Over time, Pakistan is going to need to stand on its two feet. We are willing to help them along that journey, but definitely as we provide help, there are clearly things that we expect Pakistan to do for itself," he said.
Acknowledging that there is distrust that has been built up the two countries, he said this is a two-way street.
"As the Secretary (of State, Hillary Clinton) said last October, Pakistanis have questions of the United States, we have questions of Pakistan, but we are working to build the kind of long-term strategic partnership that we think benefits both countries," Mr Crowley said.
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