WASHINGTON: The United States has urged Pakistan to respect the fundamental principles of democracy as it gets ready for the general elections.
In his daily press briefing on Thursday, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated, “I will make clear that we support the peaceful upholding of basic principles of democracy such as free speech, free media, and freedom of assembly.”
In answer to a query from a private Pakistani television channel correspondent, he stated, “We support the rule of law everywhere, not only in Pakistan. These values serve as the cornerstones for democratic elections.”
The spokesman responded to a question regarding the rise in cross-border terrorist acts in Pakistan by saying, “We will continue to urge the Taliban to keep their commitments (to the international community).”
US to protect its national interests
Meanwhile, he asserted that the United States can conduct its operations to ensure that, regardless of any promises that the Taliban make and their relative ability or willingness to abide by them, Washington retains right to protect its national interests.
APP—
