Bush approves US$50 million for Pakistan
( 2001-09-29 10:26 ) (7 )

President George W Bush on Friday authorized US$50 million in assistance to Pakistan, which is emerging as a pivotal ally in the US fight against terrorism.

Bush authorized the aid in a memo to Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Pakistan is the only country that continues to recognize the Taliban rulers as the legitimate government of neighboring Afghanistan. It has, however, agreed to let the United States use its airspace for possible military action. In turn, the United States lifted the economic sanctions it placed on Pakistan in 1998 because of its nuclear tests.

Bush's action comes on the heels of the International Monetary Fund's decision, with US assent, to give Pakistan a US$135 million loan.