Musharraf backtracks, denies diverting US aid

Washington, Sep 16 (PTI) Facing flak in Pakistan, former
President Pervez Musharraf Wednesday backtracked from his
statement that the US military aid meant for the war on terror
was diverted to bolster defences against India.

In a statement issued in Philadelphia, Musharraf,
currently on a lecture tour of the US, said Pakistan "never
violated any agreement or mis-utilised US funds."

"As far as the equipment issued to a military unit is
concerned, the equipment moves wherever the unit is deployed,"
he said.
"The US at the time was aware of what we were doing," he
was quoted as saying by 'Dawn News'.

His U-turn came three days after he admitted in a TV
interview that the military aid provided by the US to Pakistan
for the war against terror during his tenure had been used to
strengthen defences against India. He had also said he "did
not care" whether the US would be angered by his disclosure.
"No question was asked regarding US funds for fighting the
militants in this interview or at any other time," Musharraf
said in the statement. "I have never said Pakistan violated
any agreement."

The US State Department had said it took "very seriously"
Musharraf's admission, but refrained from stating whether it
would investigate the matter. (More) PTI