SECRETARY RICE'S MEETING WITH PRIME MINISTER

S E C R E T STATE 083178 SIPDIS NOFORN E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/01/2018 TAGS: PK PREL PGOV PTER SUBJECT: SECRETARY RICE'S MEETING WITH PRIME MINISTER GILANI Classified By: SCA A/S Richard A. Boucher for reasons 1.4 (b) (d) Summary ¶1. (SBU) Secretary Rice met with Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousef Raza Gilani on June 28 during the Prime Minister's first official visit to the United States. They had a frank and positive discussion; both leaders committed to a broad, long-term relationship. Secretary Rice urged immediate action against terrorists in Pakistan. Prime Minister Gilani expressed ownership in the war on terrorism and asked for greater intelligence sharing. Secretary Rice was joined by: Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte; Under Secretary of State for Economics, Energy, and Business Affairs Reuben Jeffery; Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Richard Boucher; and U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Anne Patterson. Prime Minister Gilani was joined by: Foreign Minister Qureshi and Ambassador to the U.S. Husain Haqqani. Counterterrorism: "It is our war" ¶2. (S/NF) Gilani claimed ownership for the war on terror and asked for help to improve Pakistan's counterterrorism capability. He said, "It is our own war, but we are fighting a war for the world." He asked for better intelligence sharing (referencing strikes the evening before, June 27), training, and equipment so that Pakistan could hit terrorist targets itself. He added that the militants have money, sophisticated weapons, and training. Long-term strategy, short-term problem ¶3. (S/NF) Gilani stated his belief that poverty is the root cause of terrorism. Secretary Rice agreed on the need for a broad strategy to eradicate terrorism in Pakistan, including education, Reconstruction Opportunity Zones, and support for democracy. However, she emphasized that Pakistan faces an urgent terrorism problem that requires immediate action: "There are people who have to be eliminated. These are not people with whom you can make a deal. Somebody has to do it, and now." The United States will help with the long-term strategy, she said, but in the meantime, attacks are rising and must be stopped. Gilani, cutting off his Foreign Minister from giving a longer explanation, agreed: the problem is now. Secretary Rice calls for immediate action ¶4. (S/NF) Secretary Rice continued to press Gilani on the urgent need for immediate action, cautioning him about the risk of a future attack on the United States: "The situation is critical and can't wait. Sooner or later there is going to be a serious attack out of Tribal Areas. We don't have time for the long term." Gilani agreed and promised to do more. He will instruct Pakistan's Army Chief to begin working immediately with his U.S. counterpart on a short-term counterterrorism strategy. Democracy takes time ¶5. (SBU) Secretary Rice assured Prime Minister Gilani of the United States, long-term support, saying, "Democracy takes time." Pakistan must take immediate action to address the short-term threat, but the evolution into a thriving, modern democracy requires a sustained commitment. The U.S. will stand by Pakistan as a friend as it charts its democratic course. Gilani thanked Secretary Rice for U.S. support and the two pledged to continue working together toward their common goals in Pakistan and the region. RICE