Interview With Ibrahim Malick of Samaa TV

Interview With Ibrahim Malick of Samaa TV

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

West Point

West Point, NY

December 1, 2009

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, we hope it doesn’t come to that, because we think that the people of Pakistan want democracy. That’s what we hear. That’s what we see. And we hope that whatever the political problems internally there might be, that those would be worked out in a lawful and constitutional manner. What’s important is for us to partner with the Pakistani people.

So of course when I came to visit, I met the democratically-elected government officials, both the president and the prime minister, as well as the foreign minister and other ministers, plus members of parliament. I also met with the military and the head of ISI. We believe that the future for Pakistan is so positive, but of course, there has to be stability. There has to be the kind of security that the military is fighting for in South Waziristan. And there has to be the kind of political stability that needs to come with a solid democracy. We really hope that that can be worked out.

QUESTION: Would you engage the Pakistani military (inaudible)?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I hope it doesn’t come to that. I don’t want to speculate. I think that in my talking with the military, I didn’t have any indication that they have any intention of doing anything other than supporting the democratically elected government. Now I know that there are all kinds of challenges to the current government. That is for the people of Pakistan and for your political process to work out. But of course, we want to see a strong, vibrant democracy, and that is what we are going to continue to support.

QUESTION: Thank you so much.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. Nice to see you. Thank you all for being here.

ENDS

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