The US Department of Defense on Tuesday appeared to distance itself from reports that characterized top military officer General Martin Dempsey’s comments in an interview as backing Congressional moves to cut some aid for Pakistan.
A Pentagon spokesman said Gen Dempsey, who is chairman Joint Chiefs Staff, expressed concern on many issues in US-Pakistan relations but the top military officer had also been clear in stressing the need to repair the strained ties.
The spokesman said at a press briefing that he would need to take a look at precisely what Gen Dempsey said in the interview, but differed with the characterization that Gen Dempsey supported a Senate panel’s move to cut aid for Pakistan over treatment of Dr Shakil Afridi.
“I’d have to go back and take a look at precisely what he said. I’m not sure that’s accurately characterizing what General Dempsey said,” Press Secretary George Little said.
He was asked whether Dempsey’s views in support of Congressional move to trim Pakistan aid, following sentencing of Dr Shakil Afridi, were his personal views or they reflected Pentagon’s position on the issue.
Media reports quoting Gen Dempsey said he supported Congressional move towards aid cut, following tensions on different issues, including sentencing of Dr Afridi.
“I think…choices should result in consequences. And I think the Senate acted appropriately,” Dempsey was quoted as saying on NBC news channel.
Dr Afridi reportedly worked for the CIA to trace Osama bin Laden, before the al Qaeda chief was killed last year in an American raid on his hideout in Abbottabad. The doctor was sentenced to 33 years in imprisonment by a tribal Pakistani court last week.
Pressed on the Pentagon’s position on Congressional moves towards curtailing aid for Pakistan, the press secretary said he would not comment on pending legislations, but said the US was very concerned over the issue of imprisoned doctor.
He reiterated that Washington believed Dr Afridi did not work against Pakistan but only helped the US against al Qaeda.
“I am not going to comment on discussions that are ongoing in the US Congress at this point. That is a matter for Congress (to weigh) and I would not offer a position of the Department at this time.”
“Again, I am not going to parse what Gen Dempsey said. I think he was very clear in his interview, expressing concern about various issues related to the Pakistani relationship. He has also said at various points in his public comments that we believe that we need to work through these issues with the Pakistanis.