WikiLeaks: leaked cables (Re: Pakistani politicians)

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ZARDARI’S AND UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT:

This is taken from wiki-leaks cable ref: 08ISLAMABAD405

“Zardari opened his remarks by saying that the U.S. is “our safety blanket” and recounted how Benazir had returned despite the threats against her because of support and “clearance” from the U.S. However, Zardari quickly moved on to the PPP succession. He shared a photocopy of a one-page handwritten will from Benazir in which she bequeathed the party to him. This document, Zardari said, would be published in an upcoming book authored by Benazir. Zardari said that for symbolic reasons he passed the PPP leadership to his son, Bilawal. Although Bilawal was only 19, Zardari noted that Benazir had taken over the PPP when she was only 22 years old. Benazir’s enemies, he said, do not understand that she is now even stronger as a martyr.”

NAWAZ SHARIFS AND PML’S LOYALITY TO UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT:

This is taken from wiki-leaks cable ref: 08ISLAMABAD483 “Nawaz and Khan both repeatedly said that the PML-N was pro-American. Nawaz recounted his decision to override his Chief of Army Staff and deploy Pakistani troops to Saudi Arabia in support of the U.S. coalition in the first Gulf War. Meanwhile, Khan noted, the PPP and its leaders were organizing street demonstrations against Pakistan joining with the U.S. coalition. Now, Nawaz said, he was hurt that the U.S. did not remember. Nawaz said he understood that 9/11 had changed things, but urged that the U.S. apply some balance to the relationship. In the past, the U.S. was known as the power that rejected dictatorships, that fought for independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. Why, he asked, did we continue to support a man who fired the Supreme Court, abrogated the constitution, and arrested civil society activists?”

VIEWS OF AMERICANS ON CURRENT COMMAND OF PAKISTAN ARMY:

The U.S Islamabad embassy report on wiki-leaks ref:08ISLAMABAD525.

“As expected, Kayani is taking slow but deliberate steps to distance the Army from now civilian President Musharraf. Kayani announced that generals would need his permission to meet the President, issued public statements distancing the Army from civilian politics and is rumored to be considering a decision to remove active duty Army officers from civilian GOP jobs. Kayani also has declared 2008 as the "Year of the Soldier" in an attempt to improve morale. Privately, he has discouraged ISI interference in elections. With Kayani, you should stress the importance of accepting U.S. COIN training and building Pakistani CI capabilities. General Majid: You will find Pakistan's Joint Staff a young and weak organization, but CJCS Majid is an excellent interlocutor. The lunch he is hosting will provide an opportunity to deliver our messages on the need for CSF and FMF discipline.”

POWER SHORTAGE IN PAKISTAN...... MUSHARRAF REGIME RESPONSIBLE:

According to a wiki-leaks cable Musharraf is held responsible for power shortage in Pakistan. This cable was created on 25/07/2008. Ref: 08ISLAMABAD2524

“Not a single megawatt of electricity has been added to the national grid since 2000, despite population growth and economic expansion. Industrial production is threatened by blackouts and unemployment is rising. Petroleum and electricity subsidies account for the bulk of the fiscal deficit and have continued to rise with skyrocketing international oil prices. The GOP is paying USD 554 million per month for subsidies on petroleum and will attempt to reduce these subsidies despite the intense popularity of such measures. Energy accounts for 29.3 percent of Pakistan's imports, and growth in exports cannot cover the increases in international commodity prices. Saudi Arabia is considering Pakistani request to defer $5.9 billion in oil payments; Gilani may request help in convincing Riyadh to agree. USAID will launch a three year program to assist with energy policy issues and energy efficiency and we are offering to fund a USGS mapping survey to identify commercial mineral deposits and potential energy sources. Gilani will attend in Washington a World Bank investment roundtable focused on developing Pakistan's Thar coal field reserves.”

DENIAL OF AAFIA’S TRANSPORTATION TO BAGRAM BASE AND MISTREATMENT

REF: 08ISLAMABAD2586

“Comment: It is unclear who is paying Jaffrey and/or orchestrating this campaign on Siddiqui’s behalf. Siddiqui has family living in Karachi and noted politicians, including Imran Khan, continue their vocal support for her cause. Bagram officials have assured us that they have not been holding Siddiqui for the last four years, as has been alleged. End comment. ARCHIBALD”

DR A.Q KHAN ALSO DISCUSSED IN WIKI-LEAKS:

REF: 08ISLAMABAD2524 “We were disappointed that the Islamabad High Court increased personal freedoms for Pakistani nuclear scientist AQ Khan; if asked, Gilani will say that the GOP continues to closely monitor Khan's activities.”

US AND KIYANI’S EFFORTS FOR IMMUNITY TO MUSHARRAF

REF: 08ISLAMABAD2802

“In separate meetings with Asif Zardari, PM Gilani and Chief of Army Staff Kayani, Ambassador pressed for quick action on immunity for former President Musharraf. Zardari and Gilani said flatly that they were committed to providing immunity, but not until after the presidential election (now scheduled for September 6). Pushing immunity now, they believed, could jeopardize Zardari’s candidacy. Kayani expressed concern that if immunity becomes tied up with the ongoing debate over the judges’ future, it may never happen. Zardari plans to continue to slow roll action on the judges’ restoration but remains confident that Nawaz Sharif will not walk out of the coalition. Nawaz’s deadlines for action on the judges continue to pass unfulfilled; the next one is scheduled for August 27. The decision by the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) August 20 to back Zardari for President has strengthened Zardari’s hand against Nawaz. Nawaz is left with the option of walking out of the coalition but having little prospect of forcing a new general election in the short term. Zardari is walking tall these days, hopefully not too tall to forget his promise to Kayani and to us on an immunity deal.”

Kayani Worried

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¶6. (C) After an August 20 meeting with visiting S/CT Coordinator Dell Dailey, Kayani asked Ambassador to stay behind and discuss his concerns that Zardari was delaying Musharraf,s immunity bill. Kayani had heard the large meeting of coalition partners (chaired August 19 by the newly returned Bilawal Bhutto) had discussed mostly the judges. Then they decided to take a 72-hour “break” to consult party members. ¶7. (C) As post earlier reported (Reftels), Kayani said he took Zardari,s commitments to now ex-President Musharraf as the most important argument in persuading him to resign. Zardari made very specific commitments to Kayani. Now, for Zardari to delay, it makes him (Kayani) look bad within his own institution “and I have to bring the Army along with me.” Kayani also noted that the delay does nothing for Zardari,s reputation for trustworthiness. If this issue gets conflated with the judges and with Zardari,s own desires to be President, it will become too complicated to pass, Kayani said.”