WASHINGTON, Nov 20, Reuter; The United States which was Closely allied with Pakistan’s late President Zia-Ul-Haq, expects continued strong relations with Islamabad if opposition leader Benazir Bhutto becomes Prime Minister.
U.S. Officials and Analysts see considerable common ground with Bhutto, especially on the crucial issue of Afghanistan.
Bhutto, who claimed victory after Wednesday’s election, said on Friday she was confident Pakistan’s most senior military officer would accept her as Prime Minister and that she expected to be asked to form a government soon.
The military has ruled Pakistan for more than half its 41 year old history and its views will be decisive if Bhutto is to form a government.
The Reagan administration applauded the election as an impressive and important step towards strengthening democracy in Pakistan. It said little more, apparently waiting until it was certain which party would govern.
But if Bhutto does emerge victorious “all indications are we will continue to have a warm and fruitful relationship”, a U.S. official told Reuters.
There had been concern in Washington about anti-American sentiments in Bhutto’s past and in her Pakistan People’s Party, but the administration is encouraged by her repeated assurances that she will work to strengthen ties between the two countries, he added.
He and other officials say the 35 year old graduate of Radcliffe, now part of Harvard, and Oxford capable and rather moderate politician,
Over the last three or four years, Bhutto has frequently visited Washington to meet U.S. officials and assure them they should not fear her ascension to power, one analyst said.
Representative Stephen Solarz, a senior member of the House of Foreign Affairs Committee, was also optimistic.
”The apparent results of the election, which appear to have been fair and free, is to lay a firmer foundation for Pakistan American relations and for greater stability in that nation,” the New York democrat said.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 25, 1988
