Statement from Senator Richard Blumenthal on Congressional Delegation to Pakistan August 24-27

Friday, August 26, 2011.

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – Senator Richard Blumenthal released the following statement today during a Congressional delegation to Pakistan led by Senator Robert Casey (D-PA), Chairman, Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs for talks with Pakistani leaders. The delegation met with Prime Minister Gilani, Defense Minister Mukhtar, Chief of Army Staff General Kayani, and leaders of parliament to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues, including how to cooperate in disrupting the terrorist networks responsible for the roadside bombs that have claimed the lives of hundreds of American soldiers in Afghanistan and thousands of Pakistani civilians and law-enforcement personnel. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) are also participating in the delegation:

“In my meetings with the highest level Pakistani officials, I have urged stronger action against the misuse of everyday materials by terrorist groups in making bombs that kill and maim our troops in Afghanistan. Our nations have suffered grave losses from these terrorist bombs that target our courageous American war-fighters as well as innocent civilians. I am absolutely committed to combating the flow of bomb-making materials and other weapons across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.  The Pakistanis have a plan and we should support it.” 

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