| Acting CENTCOM commander in Pakistan; pledges U.S. support |
By U.S. Embassy, Islamabad, Pakistan Share  
Related NewsISLAMABAD (Aug. 5, 2010) - A U.S. Defense Department delegation led by U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michèle Flournoy and U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John Allen, acting U.S. Central Command commander, is in Pakistan Aug. 5-6 to attend Defense Consultative Group (DCG) meetings with Pakistan civilian and military counterparts here. This is the 19th DCG, which is the primary forum for exchanging views and coordinating defense policy discussions, with the goal of strengthening the U.S.-Pakistan defense relationship based on mutual respect, trust and interests. The last DCG meeting was held in Washington D.C. in December 2009, and is part of the overall U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue. Upon their arrival in Pakistan, Under Secretary Flournoy and Lt. Gen. Allen both expressed their condolences to those who have lost loved ones in the recent flood disaster and emphasized the continued support of the United States during Pakistan's time of need. "Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have experienced so much pain and loss during the recent flooding in Pakistan," said Ms. Flournoy. "The United States remains committed to helping the people of Pakistan during this crisis and providing the humanitarian support asked for by the Government of Pakistan." "Friends help each other and Pakistan is a friend and ally in need," said Lt. Gen. Allen. "We will continue to stand by the people of Pakistan through this crisis and partner with the Pakistan government and military in their heroic efforts to bring relief and support to the millions of Pakistanis affected by these floods." Flood relief support from the U.S. in response to Pakistan government requests has thus far included an initial pledge of $10 million for humanitarian assistance under the supervision of Pakistan's National Disaster Relief Authority, two water filtration systems, four Zodiac inflatable rescue boats, 12 pre-fabricated steel bridges, more than 436,000 halal "ready-to-eat" meals and the deployment of six U.S. military helicopters to Pakistan to deliver much-needed relief supplies and provide transport to people who need emergency assistance in flood-stricken areas. |
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