U.S. Denies Induction of 1,000 Marines Into Pakistan(Only 20 Deployed)-$1.5Bil per year to Pak

[tekisui]

Source: China View

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The United States embassy in Islamabad is being expanded to meet the future challenges without induction of 1,000 U.S. Marines, a senior U.S. diplomat said Wednesday.

Deputy Chief of U.S. Mission in Islamabad Gerald M. Feierstein said that upcoming large-scale programs needed more staff, but categorically rejected the induction of 1,000 U.S. Marines in this strength, the official APP news agency reported.

Feierstein said about 20 U.S. Marines are in Pakistan to fulfill security responsibilities of the embassy and other installations and there will be marginal increase in their strength after the expansion in embassy staff.

He said due to increase in aid to Pakistan under Kerry-Lugar Bill which will be 1.5 billion U.S. dollars per year U.S. embassy needs more staff and personnel to deal with the increasing work in this regard.


more: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/12/content_11870477.htm