ISLAMABAD – US Senator John Kerry told President Asif Zardari in 2010 that the US might consider civilian nuclear assistance to Pakistan if Islamabad was able to enter into a security arrangement with India and also strengthens its democratic institutions, according to a memo released by WikiLeaks.
Senator Kerry told this to President Zardari in a meeting held on February 16, 2010, said the diplomatic memo sent to Washington by the then ambassador to Pakistan Anne W Patterson on February 23, 2010.
Senator Kerry said, “The lingering AQ Khan network remained ‘an albatross’ around Pakistan’s neck. Pakistan’s ability to reach a new security arrangement with India and the increased strength of Pakistan’s democratic institutions would be necessary conditions for the US to consider civilian nuclear assistance to Pakistan.”
Senator Kerry said India was “very open” to constructive talks with Pakistan and urged Pakistan to reach an agreement with India on counter terrorism. Zardari said with US support, talks could move forward. According to the memo, Zardari said he doubted broad talks with the Taliban were possible but specific regional efforts might succeed.
“Kerry asked Zardari what affect President Barack Obama’s announcement of a US drawdown date had had on the possibility of success in Afghanistan. Zardari answered that it had given a boost to those fighting against the United States, but that they ‘live in illusion’,” the diplomatic cable said.
It said Zardari doubted that the US would actually leave Afghanistan in two and a half years, adding that “no one can afford that”. Kerry asked if dialogue with the Taliban was possible to which Zardari gave a qualified yes, adding that in specific regions, like Quetta, dialogue might be possible, but on a larger scale it was not.
According to the memo, Zardari complained that reconstruction opportunity zones (ROZs) in the Tribal Areas were too confined and requested broader trade concessions for Pakistan.
Kerry said given the increase in troops in Afghanistan and the subsequent increased US demand on Pakistan, he would see if greater trading concessions for Pakistan as a whole could be included in an upcoming security package. However, Kerry warned that his ability to push for a liberalised trade agreement between Pakistan and the US was directly tied to Pakistan’s democratic stability and continued cooperation in supporting Afghanistan and defeating terrorists.
“Every time there is a ‘hiccough’ in Pakistan’s support, Kerry explained, Congress waivers on giving Pakistan additional concessions or aid. As Pakistan was a new democracy, Zardari said there would naturally be many “hiccoughs” but said, “Message understood.” Zardari requested that the US government weigh in with the IMF against further electricity tariff increases.
Another increase, he warned, would result in riots in the streets. However, Zardari promised to broaden the tax base and implement a Value-added Tax (VAT), as required by the IMF Stand-by Arrangement. Zardari said poverty, uncertainty, and lack of educational and employment opportunities undermined Pakistan’s potential as well as his political standing.
Zardari said he needed a “deal” to show his people that he has something to offer them and that assistance and trade concessions were prerequisites to “be able to think about India.”
