WASHINGTON: The Pentagon has stated that Admiral Mike Mullen was confident that the memo delivered by Mansoor Ijaz was not sent by President Asif Ali Zardari, Express 24/7 reported on Tuesday.
Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby issued a statement that said the former US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen neither knew Pakistani American businessman Ijaz, nor has he communicated with him.
(Read: Memogate: Truth or fiction?)
Kirby added that Mullen knew the intermediary who brought the secret memo to him, adding that the memo was not signed and was not credible.
There was nothing in the memo which indicated that it was from President Zardari, he added.
(Read: Memogate: Firewalk awaits frayed ambassador)
State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland has said the United States hopes Pakistani leaders would act in accordance with the Constitution over the memo issue.
Talking to reporters, she said the US expects Pakistan's leaders to act in a manner respectful of its democratic institutions.
(Read: The case of the curious memo)
Earlier, a memo was published online by foreign newspapers, which was allegedly conveyed to Mullen by Pakistan’s ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani a week after the Osama bin Laden raid in May, was reportedly sent by President Zardari who at the time feared a military takeover in Pakistan.
(Read: ISI DG has all the evidence: Mansoor Ijaz)
The memo allegedly refers to “a dangerous devolution of the ground situation in Islamabad where no control appears to be in place”. It adds that if the military does take over, Pakistan may “become a sanctuary for Osama bin Laden’s legacy and potentially the platform for far more rapid spread of al Qaeda’s brand of fanaticism and terror”.
Haqqani, who has served as Pakistan’s representative to the US since 2008, denied that he had either drafted or delivered any memo. Referring to Mansoor Ijaz indirectly, the Ambassador said, “There are many businessmen in this world who claim to have a role in a country’s affairs, but they are not given importance. In Pakistan, however, one man’s claims create a crisis.”
Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday vehemently denied Zardari’s involvement in the scandal. He added that the Pakistani intelligence and military are held in high regard by the government and they will be protected according to the constitution.
He reassured the Assembly that rumours of the country being divided or the dissolution of national intuitions are baseless. Gilani firmly stated that any change that comes will be through the democratic process.
COMMENTS (8)
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Why is Mullen so sure that it was NOT sent by Zardari? Just because there is no name and signature? If AZ could have put his signature and name he would have sent it by the FO/HH. What's so difficult to understand here.
Nothing surprising. It's but natural. These guys will try to protect their 'men' in the pakistani garb. The more such statements in support of Mr Haqqani come from these guys, the more Mr Haqqani's gullt is proved. His name should be put into E.C.L. and case against him should start in a military tribunal. Some ways should be found out to apprehend the accomplices as well.
Why this unwanted favour for Mr. Zardari and what difference this cleraification on behalf of Mr. Mullen would cause in the case? Is Mullen not the one who threw Pakistan in trouble after OBL saga when he spewed the blunt statement against Pakistan.
this "aamer"-eeca always want to have an upperhand over Pakistan
@Mirza cant agree with u more.
An unsigned memo can only make Pakistani establishment shaking in their boots. Many such memos are sent to powerful people but they are ignored if they are not even signed by the sender. Why is nuclear armed strong Pakistan is so weak that an anonymous piece of paper can create all this fuss? It only proves that the enemis of Pakistan only need to write a piece of paper every now and then to keep Islamic Republic of Pakistan restless and fighting among each other.
@Iftikhar-ur-Rehman: Oh yeah! like there is only one honest person in the world and that is IM.
Only Inspector Clouseau can solve this.
There are many businessmen in this world who claim to have a role in a country’s affairs, but they are not given importance. In Pakistan, however, one man’s claims create a crisis.
Haqqani met few of his American masters before he left for Pakistan so all of them are now trying their best to protect him & Zardari