US won’t take sides in next elections: Boucher
By Our Diplomatic Correspondent

ISLAMABAD—US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Affairs, Richard A Boucher has said US will not side with any specific political party in next general elections in Pakistan and it wants elections are held in fair and transparent manner.
“US is not with any political party. We only want that unalloyed democracy prevails and all the political parties take part in the elections. No institution including election commissioner should support any particular party so that the whole process remains transparent”, he said this while addressing a press conference here Tuesday in US embassy.
Replying to a question, Boucher said that the matters related to democracy also featured in his meeting with President general Pervez Musharraf. President Musharraf has informed about his program in this regard that the entire process of next general election will be transparent. “ We support democracy and democratic process”, he underscored. US will offer no comments on the matter of snap elections in Pakistan, he remarked.
“I have held talks in depth with Pakistani leadership on regional and international issues, he said adding strategic cooperation is gathering momentum in all spheres between US and Pakistan.
Boucher told he had met with President General Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, foreign minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri, foreign secretary Riaz Khan, leaders of business community and political parties. Talks were held with Pakistani leadership for expanding cooperation in economic sector and other areas of activities including education, energy, science and technology.
To a question, he said US supports Pakistan stance in Bajaur operation. Training on terrorism was being imparted there. However, US had not participated in this operation. “ We want peace in this area particularly on both sides of Pak-Afghan borders. We fully back the steps being taken by Pakistan to stamp out terrorism as both the countries are working for elimination of violence, extremism and terrorism.
He went on to say President Musharraf wants a moderate, progressive and enlightened society. We are with him in such steps.
US is fully aware of the energy requirements of Pakistan, he said adding “ we want Pakistan meets its energy needs by importing gas and electricity from Central Asian States. Talks are underway in this connection. However, we have reservations on Iran, Pakistan, India gas pipeline project.
Responding to a question, he said that the need is there that situation is improved on both sides of Afghan border. Problems are there and we want Pakistan and Afghanistan work together to achieve shared objectives. Need is there that improvement comes in governance in Afghanistan. We want economic and employment opportunities there. Special industrial zones will be set up for economic development in tribal areas. Legislation will also be enacted in US congress on duty free entry to US of the products to be manufactured in the factories to be set up in these zones, he told.