US reassures Pakistan on military bill

ISLAMABAD: The United States moved to reassure Pakistan on Thursday over concerns about proposed legislation making military assistance to the Islamic republic dependent on its cooperation in the "war on terror".

The US Embassy in Islamabad said the administration of President George W Bush did not support the current form of the bill that is currently in the hands of Congress.

Pakistan has been a key US ally since 2001 but the relationship has been tested by accusations that Islamabad is not stopping militants based in its tribal areas from launching attacks in neighbouring Afghanistan.

"Many in Pakistan have voiced concerns over provisions in the first piece of legislation considered by the new US Congress," the embassy said.

"While the administration supports the underlying intent of the bill, it has serious concerns with several of the bill's provisions."

The US embassy said that the new bill could undermine counter-terrorism efforts with Pakistan, which says it has 80,000 troops along its rugged western border with Afghanistan.

"The government of Pakistan has continued to demonstrate its commitment to cooperating with the US. Such conditionality would be counter-productive to fostering a closer relationship with Pakistan," the embassy said.