Date:08/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/08/stories/2008030855351700.htm

International

Hillary pledges to change Musharraf-centric policy

Washington: Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has promised to end the U.S.’ “one dimensional” Pakistan policy focusing on President Pervez Musharraf and push for improved relations between India and Pakistan if voted to power.

“For the past seven years the Bush administration has pursued a one-dimensional policy toward Pakistan, focusing its high level attention overwhelmingly on President Musharraf to the exclusion of other important political actors in Pakistan and its civil society. It is time for this to change,” said Ms. Clinton.

Stressing that the February 18 Pakistan elections should send a signal to the U.S. about its policy toward the Islamic country, she said a future Clinton administration will ensure that military aid to Islamabad is “accountable” and will appoint a Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan.

“[We will be] promoting a stable relationship between India and Pakistan which will further contribute to Afghanistan’s long-term stability,” she said in a statement. — PTI