CODEL FEINGOLD MEETS WITH FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ISLAMABAD 001958 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/28/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER PINR ECON ENRG EPET PK SUBJECT: CODEL FEINGOLD MEETS WITH FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI Classified by Ambassador Anne Patterson, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: In a May 26 meeting with CODEL Feingold, Foreign Minister Qureshi reiterated Pakistan's support to combat terrorism but suggested that the Pakistan and the U.S. form a broad relationship based on common ideals and interests beyond counter-terrorism. Foreign Minister Qureshi asked for U.S. support in building democratic institutions in Pakistan and requested more interaction with U.S. legislators. Pledging to focus on Pakistan's neighborhood first, Qureshi has chosen Afghanistan as the destination of his first official visit as Foreign Minister. He reiterated the Government of Pakistan's (GOP) commitment to political dialogue with India and stressed that the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline (IPI) is an economic necessity due to Pakistan's worsening energy situation. End Summary. ¶2. (C) Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi began a May 26 meeting with Senator Russ Feingold and the Deputy Chief of Mission by thanking the Senator for his support of the rule of law in Pakistan. Qureshi reiterated that both nations have a mutual interest in defeating terrorism, adding that the people of Pakistan must realize that efforts to combat militancy are not being done at the behest of the U.S. Pakistan is in the midst of battle between the forces of democracy on one hand, those that understand the "language of the ballot," versus those who only use the "language of the bullet." Foreign Minister Qureshi stated that the Government of Pakistan (GOP) wants a comprehensive relationship with the U.S. that goes beyond cooperation in counter-terrorism. ¶3. (C) Senator Feingold reiterated U.S. support for the Government of Pakistan and pledged to look for ways to broaden our partnership to foster democratic institutions and the rule of law. In response to the Senator's query on what the U.S. can do to assist, Foreign Minister Qureshi asked for U.S. support in building democratic institutions in Pakistan. Qureshi also requested more interaction with U.S. legislators, proposing a dialogue between members of Congress and members of the National Assembly be institutionalized. The Foreign Minister stressed the importance of engaging directly with the National Assembly, adding that the U.S. had only look to Pakistan to find a Muslim state with democratic traditions and institutions. �00A;¶4. (C) When asked about the future of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, Qureshi replied that he will focus on Pakistan's neighborhood first, choosing Afghanistan as the destination of his first official visit as Foreign Minister. While Pak-Afghan relations have "been cyclical over time," Qureshi stressed that both countries are inextricably linked with "common problems and common solutions." He described recent interactions as positive and reiterated Pakistan's support for Afghan stability as the key to increased regional trade and energy cooperation. While recognizing that the common border has been "porous for centuries" and tribal linkages cannot be ignored, Qureshi called on the Afghan government to focus on solutions and not just blame Pakistan for Afghanistan's troubles. ¶5. (C) Senator Feingold requested an update on the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) pipeline and how the project will impact Pakistan's relationship with Iran. Qureshi admitted that Iran viewed Pakistan with distrust due to Islamabad's relationship with Washington. He surmised that this is the reason for few high level interactions between the two countries in the last six years. Pakistan is facing serious energy shortages, Qureshi continued, and the IPI is a commercially viable way to provide increased energy in the short term. While energy linkages to Central Asian suppliers are also viable, political stability in Afghanistan and the security of Turkmenistan supplies are a concern. The IPI is feasible in three to four years and Pakistan "has no other alternative," according to Qureshi. ¶6. (C) Highlighting the sea change in India-Pakistan relations since 2003, Qureshi reiterated GOP support for negotiations with India and wants to increase people-to-people interactions between the two countries. Recognizing the huge potential for trade between India and Pakistan, Qureshi opined that the relationship was "swinging in the right direction." He added that the GOP was considering taking additional measures, including relaxing visa requirements, to take advantage of the positive momentum. Pakistan will remain pragmatic about its relationship with India, he continued, focusing on a wide range of issues including Kashmir. ¶7. (C) Concluding with Pakistan's relationship with Saudi Arabia, Senator Feingold expressed concern over Saudi-financed madrassas and ISLAMABAD 00001958 002 OF 002 their possible promulgation of extremist ideologies. Qureshi commented although Pakistan maintains very good relations with Saudi Arabia, the GOP has concerns about some madrassas. While most madrassas are "not trigger happy training grounds," they have to be registered and regulated. Qureshi believes that Pakistan needs to focus on broadening the scope of public education, pointing out that many madrassas provide education and food to children that would otherwise go without. As for those madrassas that resist regulation and continue to espouse militancy, Qureshi added, "if we need to go for them, then so we must." ¶8. (U) CODEL Feingold did not clear this cable. PATTERSON