US only in advisory role: McCormack

WASHINGTON—Noting that the US is providing only advice, the Bush administration has said that decisions concerning security, investigations and elections in Pakistan have to be made by “people most affected by it”.
“Ultimately, decisions about security are going to be have to be made by the individual most affected by it and the people around them. They are going to make their own decisions,” State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said. “Occasionally, if asked, we provide our best advice. But it is not for us to make decisions for individuals who are foreign government officials or former government officials.”
“As for the probe that is on-going, President Musharraf has asked for outside technical assistance. That’s a wise course that’s he’s taken in the best interest of Pakistan and the Pakistani people,” he said.
The comments came in the wake of Musharraf seeking the aid of UK’s Scotland Yard in the probe in to the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto even as her Pakistan People’s Party is demanding a UN inquiry.—Online