ISLAMABAD President Asif Ali Zardari has asked for early release of over $2 billion overdue US Coalition Support Fund (CSF) and expedited American legislation for Regional Opportunity Zone (ROZs) in wake of Pakistans economic needs emerging out of floods. Anticipating early reimbursement of CSF, the President told Richard Holbrook that it was all the more crucial in wake of massive losses to Pak economy due to recent havoc. The President also said that the recent situation had enhanced the need for an early legislation on ROZs in order to create economic opportunities for the people of Pakistan. During a late Thursday evening meeting with the visiting US envoy the President also discussed regional situation. The President said that the Governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan were determined not to let their territories being used by extremist elements. He said that the complete unanimity of views and consensus between the leadership was a positive development in effectively dealing with the menaces that pose threats to the peace of the region. Holbrooke in response reiterated the United States long-term commitment to the strategic partnership with Pakistan saying that the Administration was conscious of the need for creating economic opportunity for the Pakistani people in their fight against militancy and at this hour of need. He expressed the determination to strengthen the ties between the two countries in all areas including trade, economic growth, and development and to help Pakistani people in all possible manners. According to the Presidential Spokesman Farhatullah Babar, the US government had provided $217 million to support immediate relief and initial recovery through National Disaster Management Authority, the UNs emergency response plan and many other local and international organisations. In-kind assistance included provision of halal meals, pre-fabricated steel bridges, infrastructure and air support for transportation of goods and rescue of stranded people, plastic sheets to provide shelter for, water treatment plants, 30 helicopters, rescue boats, food assistance worth $51.5 million besides launching of a program to provide 4,800 households in Swat. Babar briefed the media stating that other matters that came under discussion included struggle against militancy and extremism, regional security situation, Pak-US relations and assistance to Pakistan in order to overcome the challenges and situation arising out of current floods and war against militancy. He quoted the President, as saying that catering to the needs of dislocated people and to rehabilitate them besides recreating economic opportunities for them was a gigantic task that needs special attention of the international community. He said that Pakistan expected the international community and its coalition partners especially the US that they would not let resources-constraints affect its ongoing struggle against militancy and terrorism. Thus he was of the view that US should help further sensitise the international community about Pakistans need for enhanced market access and assistance, particularly to fulfil their commitments of more than $5.2 billion made on the platform of FoDP in Tokyo.