Your editorial "Say No to America" of 21 August suggests that the United States has sent mixed messages to Pakistan. In fact, Washington's messages are quite clear. President Bush has stated, most recently on 9 August, that the United States supports free and fair elections in Pakistan.
Assistant Secretary of State Richard A. Boucher told the press during his visit to Islamabad on 16 August that the United States has encouraged all parties in Pakistan to strengthen the moderate centre of Pakistani politics. Deputy White House Press Secretary Gordon Johndroe said that the United States would like to see a moderate political centre form in Pakistan.
The United States does not support any particular candidate or party. Our policy is to encourage moderate elements of Pakistani society to come together. This will give them strength against the threat of extremism. The United States supports fair, free, transparent elections. The goal of these elections will be to provide choices to Pakistani citizens. The outcome will be respect for the citizens' choices.
We believe that the majority of people in Pakistan share the same values and aspirations: security, livelihood, family welfare, health, education, and justice. It is entirely up to the Pakistani people to decide which leaders can help them to reach those goals. We support progress toward a smooth and stable transition that reflects the will of the Pakistani people.
(The writer is Charge D'affaires, A.I. Embassy of the United States of America)