US has pledged 27M USD for flood victims US Ambassador Donald Blome He gave message in Urdu Language
Channel: Mediatrack
Date: 2022-09-30

US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Bloom addresses a ceremony in Islamabad, on September 30, 2022, to observe 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. — US Embassy
Ambassador Donald Blome rules out talks of air bases.
"Want to see independent, prosperous, strong Pakistan."
Blome stresses working with every govt people elect.
ISLAMABAD: There is no truth in the regime change allegations, United States Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome said Thursday, terming PTI's claims as "unfortunate".

In an exclusive interview with The News and Jang, the ambassador said that the US enjoyed a long and very important relationship with Pakistan.

"We want to see an independent, prosperous and strong Pakistan. That’s what we believe is in our interest and in the interest of the region. As for the allegations, there is absolutely no truth in that."

"The United States has spoken to them [Pakistain govt] here and in Washington. I am hopeful that we can get past this and back into the important work that we have to do, to work together on some issues right now facing the world and our two countries."

Regarding the question on Washington’s oft-discussed demand for air bases in Pakistan, Blome responded: “I can tell you there were no discussions about air bases, one way or another.”

He also used the term "no discussions, at all, about the bases" since he assumed charge of the office in Pakistan.

“I am here for the last four months and this has not been an issue on my agenda. Our agenda here is pretty clear," the ambassador said.

"It has to do with building and broadening economic, trade and investment relationships and working on climate change, which has obviously become a pressing issue right now besides working on energy transformation which is important for Pakistan and also for the planet."

"In terms of security, both the countries have a strong relationship."

On former premier Imran Khan's demand to hold an inquiry into the cypher issue, Blome said: “So, it is not my position really to talk about whether the inquiry should be made or not."

"I can’t speak on his statement. I don’t have too much to add. We don’t read out the routine diplomatic meetings. What I can say is certainly it’s the norm of diplomatic business of any ambassador, meeting here or in Washington”.

“To have these kinds of discussions about issues, whether we agree or not, it is a standard business of diplomacy. I think again it is really important for us to pass this right now”.

Answering a question about whether he has ever met the former premier, the ambassador told these scribes that he had not met Imran so far.

However, the ambassador also noted that the US would "absolutely" work together with any government that the Pakistani people choose — even if it is Imran comes into power again.

US concerns on Pakistan's nuclear programme
To a question regarding concerns about Pakistan’s nuclear programme, the US ambassador replied: “Regional security is such an important issue right now for Pakistan, for its neighbours and the world."

The US ambassador said the Joe Biden administration was committed to working with Pakistan, in any way, to reduce tensions and look for ways to resolve regional disputes peacefully.

"I think it is really important to look for ways to build confidence between the states and the neighbours. That certainly means to find ways to discuss the issues and try to find ways to resolve the incredibly pressing challenges."

Blome said that the US has broad concerns about proliferation and it is working very hard and is committed to the non-proliferation principles to finding ways to reduce the threats of nuclear weapons around the world.

"It continues to be high on the agenda of the US administration. We had a good and open discussion with Pakistani authorities on a range of security issues, including those issues."

Blome said the United States worked with Pakistan on nuclear issues in a variety of international fora.

"We worked with Pakistan directly in the IAEA. We participate together in global initiatives to combat nuclear terrorism. We worked together on UN efforts to prevent WMD proliferation. We just have to build strong blocks on those issues.”

Debt repayments
For assisting Pakistan after the cataclysmic floods, the ambassador said that the United States has given about $56.5 million in an initial UN appeal.

Blome said apart from that, recently, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced an additional $10 million — particularly focused on food security that would go to seeds and fertilisers for farmers and repair of flood-damaged irrigation infrastructure.

The money that the United States has already disbursed, has been done through the UN agencies like UNDP, UNICEF and WFP, he said, adding that the US was working with several international NGOs as well.