US pledges more help in quake rehabilitation
Bureau Report

LAHORE—US Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan Crocker has said that US has provided substantial assistance to Pakistan and would provide more to help it in its relief efforts and carrying out rehabilitation and reconstruction work in quake-devastated areas. Talking to newsmen after Signing MoU formalizing cooperation between Punjab Assembly and USAID, at Punjab Assembly here on Tuesday, he said “US Government and people sympathise with the people of Pakistan and fully share their grief at the tragedy which has played havoc in large area in Kashmir and NWFP, claimed many lives and caused injures to many others.
He said US has provided assistance in cash and kind and “We look forward to join with Pakistan government’s efforts for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction work in affected areas”. He said US troops are also playing important role in carrying out relief operation and they have also set up field hospitals besides helping in clearing access roads to quake- stricken area.
To a question he said, world community has responded well in providing assistance to pakistan and “ I think Pakistan have appreciated the help being extended by international community to carry out relief operation in quake stricken areas”. Regarding donors conference being held in Geneva, he hoped sufficient assistance would be committed. Asked about the move for opening LoC, he said it is positive step and US appreciate it.
Online adds: The United States has announced to double its army personnels engaged in the relief activities in the quake stricken areas of Pakistan. This announcement was made by the Director of American Relief Operation Real Admiral Michael Lefor while talking from Islamabad with Pentagon newsmen via Video Phone.