SENATOR BARACK OBAMA'S STATEMENT ON THE PAKISTANI ELECTIONS

2/19/08 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."