Crowley Commends Musharraf for Putting Pakistani People Ahead of Military Expansion

Crowley Commends Musharraf for Putting Pakistani People Ahead of Military Expansion
11/8/2005

Washington, DC- Today, Congressman Joseph Crowley, Chief Deputy Whip, and member of the House International Relations Committee commended Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf for his decision to put off the purchase of fighter jets in order to provide additional relief to the victims of the recent earthquake.

"President Musharraf should be commended for putting earthquake victims ahead of military expansion. Pakistan has been dealt a tough blow and Musharraf's announcement shows that he is exhibiting strong leadership during a difficult time for Pakistan," commented Crowley.

Last year the United States announced it was willing to sell Pakistan F-16 fighters and the country was expected to purchase an undisclosed amount. Depending on the make and model, an F-16 can cost up to $40 million.

Pakistan was the hardest hit by the earthquake losing over 73,000 people, and displacing almost 3 million. Congressman Crowley is calling for extra funding to be added to the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill to help aid the long term reconstruction of Pakistan. As the representative of one of the largest populations of South Asians in the country, Crowley plans to continue meeting with member of the Pakistani community in New York to discuss the ways the United States can aid in the relief and recovery effort.

"Pakistan has a long road of recovery ahead. The best thing the country can do is focus on the relief effort and the monumental task of rebuilding the infrastructure, the morale and the livelihood of Pakistan and it's people," continued Crowley.

http://crowley.house.gov/news/record.asp?id=737