Senator Barack Obama's Statement on the Pakistani Elections

CHICAGO--(Business Wire)--
Senator Barack Obama released the following statement today on the
results of the elections in Pakistan.

Statement from Barack Obama:

"Yesterday, a moderate majority of the Pakistani people made their
voices heard, and chose a new direction. For far too long, America's
Pakistan policy has prized stability over democracy and got neither.
That is why I have consistently called for a policy that advances U.S.
interests by advancing the interests of the Pakistani people, not just
Pakistan's president. We can build a more effective relationship with
Pakistan if we condition aid on the Pakistani government's progress in
fighting al Qaeda and restoring democracy, and focus more assistance
on supporting strong democratic institutions, secular education, and
the development of Pakistan's border region. A democratic Pakistan
will be a better ally in the fight against terror and extremism, and
will be better for the Pakistani people."

Obama Press Office
312-819-2423

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