During his testimony at the HFAC on May 5, Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke said that “Our assistance should support Pakistani efforts to “hold and build” in western Pakistan as part of its counterinsurgency efforts so extremists do not return to fill the vacuum once military operations have ended. We must also do our part to enhance bilateral and regional trade possibilities by implementing Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) and encouraging foreign investment in vital sectors, such as energy. The Administration supports Congressional passage of ROZ legislation as a key way to boost private investment and sustainable economic development in targeted areas of Afghanistan and border areas of Pakistan."
He repeated the same thing at his testimony at the SFRC yesterday. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Reconstruction Opportunity Zones. What’s next - a diplomatic surge for Pakistan?
Related Items:
HFAC Hearing – Richard Holbrooke’s Testimony │ May 5, 2009
SFRC Hearing – Richard Holbrooke’s Testimony │ May 12, 2009
