US won’t repeat 1989 mistakes: Olson

ISLAMABAD: U.S. Ambassador Richard Olson in Pakistan and stressed that his country would not repeat the mistakes in 1989 while withdrawing troops from Afghanistan.Richard was addressing at the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, "the United States' relationship with Pakistan and Afghanistan, and now, after the transfer of security functions in 2014."Olson said: "Even as we work with Pakistan to ensure that 2014 is not a repeat of 1989, are not we focused myopically in December 2014. Instead, we continue to look at the horizon, we see Pakistan and the region, which will continue to grow in importance."2014 is not 1989," he said, adding, "The United States recognizes the mistakes of the past, and will not withdraw from the area."
He said he does not form the United States' relationship with Pakistan alone obligations and responsibilities of the United States in Afghanistan.Ambassador called on the United States and Pakistan to work together with the purpose to facilitate peace negotiations in Afghanistan. "For the sake of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the region, there is a need to support Pakistan fully Afghan-led, and the peace process in Afghanistan now owned," he added.The U.S. ambassador said, commenting on the upcoming general elections in the country, it's a historic moment for Pakistan and determine when, for the first time, one civilian government transferred power to another according to the Constitution, and that reflect the will of the Pakistani people.

Moreover, Ambassador Olson stressed that the U.S. aid to Pakistan in the field of energy, economic development, education, and health is a tangible sign of long-term investments in the United States in the future of Pakistan.