The Baloch Hal NewsQUETTA, July 26:- US Consul General Karachi William J. Martin has reiterated to open American consulate in Quetta for working more closely with provincial government and NGOs in designing and implementing assistance projects for the people of Balochistan and said that his government was working with Balochistan government for building water stoage dams besides helping QESCO to improve services to public.
US diplomat made these remarks in a recention on 234 anniversary of Independence of United States of America which first time in the history to celetrate in the provincial capital of Quetta. The US Ambassador Patterson could not attend the function due to some her engagement in Islamabad.
The U.S. Army General Michael Nagata and other diplomatic staff including head of Public Affairs Dr. Carton were also present. The US Independence day celeration was also attended by Speaker Balochistan Assembly Mohammad Aslam Bhootani, the provincial ministers, the representatives of political parties, bureaucrats and staff colleage foriegn and local student-officers.
US Consul General said that in addition to a national high efficiency irrigation project that also included Balochistan, US government were working with Balochistan Government on providing a system of water storage dams. The project, he said, would support plans by the provincial government and would enhance existing programs for irrigation and distribution while also promoting watershed enhancement and integrated crop management.
He said that energy was also a matter of concern in Balochistan and his government already had a program with the Quetta Electricity Supply Company to help it improve service to the public, reduce losses, and increase efficiency. He said that the U.S. Geological Survey would also provide assistance in identifying natural gas resources and their development in Balochistan. He assured that there would be more projects for Balochistan announced by the U.S. Government in the coming months.
Mr. Martin said USA would also provide assistance to help Pakistan improve it regulatory and fiscal regimes in order to attract more investment to develop this critical resources and that would most certainly create more opportunities in Balochistan.
He said that he was pleased to note that US would soon open an American consulate in Quetta in the near future which would allow US government to work more closely with our Balochistan government and NGO colleagues in designing and implementing assistance projects that meet the needs of the people of Balochistan. He said that the proposal for a new consulate clearly demonstrated Americans long terms commitment to the people of Pakistan and, specially to the people of Balochistan. He said that by working together, both Pakistan and United Sattes of America could learn from each other and strengthen the relationship, strengthen the partnership and build a brighter future for our nations.
He said that in Quetta, his government proud to work alongside our Pakistani colleagues in their efforts to improve health, education, and energy. Last week,he said , Secretary of State Hilary Clinton visited Pakistan, and announced several new assistance programs costing many millions of dollars and many of these projects would directly benefit the people of Balochistan. He informed that during meetings with U.S officials, the government and people of Balochistan told them the most important need in the province which was water.
US diplomat said that he was very pleased to note the presence of U.S. Army General Michael Nagata in the function of celerations in Quetta and a decorated general’s presence reflectd the close working relationship of our two great military forces, as did the recent visit of our top soldier, Admiral Mullan to Islamabad and the delivery of advanced F-16 fighter planes. He said that there should no doubt that United States deeply appreciated the struggles and sacrifices of Paksitan’s security forces in their efforts to make the country safe and secure for all and it applauded Pakistan’s elected officials, civil servants, and community activists who spoke out against extremism, and worked for a better future for all Pakistanis.
“Our two countries share many of the same goals and ideals. We embrace not only freedom and democracy, but also family, religion, education and hard work. By working together, we can learn from each other and strengthen the relationship, strengthen the partnerships, and build a brighter future for our nations”, he said.
Mr. Martin said that with great appreciation for the challenges facing both countries, with deep gratitude for the men and women who served in US armed forces, and with ehartflet respect for the friendship between the United States and Pakistan, he was honoured to celebrate American’s 234th Independence Day with all of them.
He said that on July 4th, 1776, in Philadelphia, American’s founding fathers adopted the declaration of indpenedence which enunciated clearly the basis for new nation, saying “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” He said that these words had inspired many generations, and continued to be the guiding principles for United States in the present tiem. He said “We believe that these principles are universal and there is no doubt that the Pakistani people hold these values to be paramount as well.
http://thebalochhal.com/2010/07/us-announces-special-projects-for-balochistan/
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