Contact: Darrell “DJ” Jordan 
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) on Monday met with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani during a five-member congressional delegation to Pakistan, a trip designed to show support for the Pakistan government and it’s commitment to peace in the region.

Among the topics discussed, both the congressional delegation and the top Pakistani officials focused on the challenges that face the South Asian country. The bipartisan group also addressed the topic of economic reform, stressing the need to improve the social and economic situations of people that affect the underlying causes that contribute to insecurity.  However, security along the Afghan border and the war on terrorism was the main topic discussed.

The delegation left Monday’s conversations after being assured that both President Musharraf and Prime Minister Gillani are committed to resolving the economic and security issues confronting Pakistan and the region. 

“The US supports the need for an independent court system within Pakistan, but this issue is up to the Pakistani government and people to resolve,” said Congressman Aderholt. “We understand a change in government takes time to produce results, but we see Pakistan is in the process of making those changes and most of all, it is encouraging to hear that these leaders are committed to the war on terrorism.”

“Our delegation held candid discussions with President Musharraf and Prime Minister Gillani earlier today," the delegation said in a statement from Islamabad. “The government of Pakistan remains concerned over security and the need to directly confront this terrorist threat not only within Pakistan, but also along the border with Afghanistan."

The delegation was pleased that the Pakistani officials confirmed their support for the values and ideals of OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe), as all five members are involved with the organization’s efforts to improve military security, economic and environmental cooperation, and human rights practices.

Rep. Aderholt’s delegation is led by Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) and joined by Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN), Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC) and Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA).  The five member delegation are representatives of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission. The Commission is an independent U.S. Government agency created to monitor and encourage compliance with the Helsinki Final Act, the 1975 act that improved peaceful cooperation between the US, the Soviet Union, and 35 countries of Europe.
 
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