STORY SUMMARY Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton addresses new American Pakistan group, promotes U.S. aid commitment and urges Pakistanis to continue the joint fight against extremists.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Video, hard copy requests, contact information and more available at http://thedigitalcenter.com/projects/1320-secretary-clinton-underscores-the-importance-of-a-growing-us-pakistan-partnership-and-pledges-continued-us-aid-during-remarks-at-the-american-pakistan-foundations-inaugural-gala-benefit-in-nyc
SOUNDBITES: (4) TRT: 4:15
BITE I RT: 1:02
Secretary Clinton expresses pride in Pakistani Americans' contribution to the U.S. and Pakistan
IN: "I have seen the contributions that Pakistani Americans have made to the United States in every field - as scholars and scientists, as entrepreneurs and business leaders, as artists, public servants and private citizens.
"And I have been deeply moved by the strength of the Pakistani American community's commitment to Pakistan, and how generous and creative you have been in finding ways to give back, whether by mobilizing local NGOs to respond to humanitarian crises or sending aid in the aftermath of natural disasters or calling on the Congress and the State Department to send more.
"You have also provided help directly. In June, when the military offensive in Swat displaced many from their homes, many of you responded." OUT
BITE II RT: :41
Secretary Clinton affirms Obama Administration goals to transform negative perceptions about U.S. involvement in Pakistan and build a stronger partnership
IN: "President Obama and our Administration have worked hard to change the perception of our purpose in Pakistan both with words and with deeds. One of the main goals of my trip was to reach out to a broad community of Pakistanis, to hear their needs, hopes and concerns, and to ensure that the United States is on the right track in our effort to build a stronger partnership. That is a key goal of the Obama Administration's foreign policy and it is a personal priority for President Obama and me." OUT
BITE III RT: 1:24
Secretary Clinton remarks on Pakistan's sovereignty while providing the support it needs to strengthen democratic institutions, its economy and defeat extremist groups.
IN: "We seek not to impose our preferences on Pakistan or to override the government's judgments or subvert the people's will. Instead, we want a relationship based on mutual respect and shared responsibility.
"The United States has taken major steps in recent months to support Pakistan as it seeks to strengthen democratic institutions, foster economic development, expand opportunity, and defeat the extremist groups who threaten both Pakistan's security and America's. So when people question our commitment, I point to what we have already done and what we are preparing to do.
"In recent months, the United States has provided the largest share of international assistance to displaced families in South Waziristan and the Northwest Frontier Province. We've sent additional food aid and support for early recovery efforts in Malakand." OUT
BITE IV RT: :53
Secretary Clinton says U.S. increased efforts to help Pakistani military to fight the Taliban and other terrorists and affirms Pakistan's critical role in "disrupting, dismantling and defeating al-Qaeda"
IN: "The Pakistani military has taken on the fight against the Pakistani Taliban, and the United States has increased our efforts to help. But there are other terrorist groups who have set up camp in Pakistan, where they are plotting global attacks and waging war against the troops from 42 nations who comprise the international security assistance forces in Afghanistan. Pakistan has a critical role, and an abiding interest, in helping this international effort, and we will continue to encourage the Pakistani Government to take affirmative steps toward the goal of disrupting, dismantling, and defeating al-Qaeda and the other terrorist groups responsible for so much suffering in Pakistan and around the world. (Applause.)" OUT
VIDEO PROVIDED BY: U.S. Department of State
TECHNICAL INFORMATION OR HARD COPY, PLEASE E-MAIL: digitalcenter@multivu.com
For more information, please contact:
Debra Schackner
Tel: +1-202-504-6404
Email: SchacknerDE@state.gov