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Nawaz, Imran Khan assured me of a pro-US government: Munter
US ambassador to Pakistan stresses that Pakistan needs to be part of the solution, not the problem.
US ambassador to Pakistan stresses that Pakistan needs to be part of the solution, not the problem. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
KARACHI: US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter, when asked by the BBC regarding the possibility of an anti-US government in Pakistan in case Nawaz Sharif or Imran Khan get elected in 2013 elections, said that he has met both the leaders who have assured a pro-US government.
During an interview with the BBC Urdu on Tuesday, Munter said that the US is not against Pakistan, rather it wants Pakistan to be independent, so it can efficiently take action against the militants hiding in tribal areas along the Afghanistan and Pakistan border.
“By independent, I mean that the Pakistani leadership, along with the Pakistan Army, should have complete control over its territories… It is important that Pakistan’s political and military leadership defeats these terrorists. And, we want to help Pakistan with it,” said Munter.
The Ambassador who is set to retire early from his post, said that the reopening of Nato supply routes is not the end and the US still needs to deal with terrorists in Pakistan. He stressed that Pakistan needs to be a part of the solution, not the problem.
When reminded that the US is against the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline, Munter said, “if you talk to Pakistani leaders, you will get to know that there is no shortage of electricity in the country. It only needs good management, improvements and new rates.”
Reader Comments (77)
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duh? whats wrong in that. Not really that big a news.Nothing wrong being pro-American till it respects our sovereignty. ET : Grow Up!
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Is there a new memogate coming up . . .????
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Of course Imran Khan said in Lahore Jalsa we will be ur friends but not ur slaves, whats wrong in that.Recommend
Welcome home I.K
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that is what Munter means
There is an overt race among all politicians to assure the US, who is better for them. The lies and militant stance are only for public consumption. The secret talks are different than when talking in public. When the govt does anything in public interest it is called foreign agent but these big heros are big zeros. Thanks for bringing the facts out, sir.Recommend
I can only imagine if this news had Nawaz Sharif’s name on it. These PTI trolls would have gone nuts!
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…….and why shouldn’t they support the US. They are sensible, not suicidal.
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How is it possible? Imran Khan is a man of principles and he means what he says and says what he means. He could not have given such an assurance of a pro-US government in Pakistan. He has never said anything remotely close to it in public. As a matter of fact, all of his public stands run counter to U.S. interests. Munter must have misheard “anti-US” as “pro-US”.
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If Nawaz and Imran has assured US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter that if they are elected they will make a pro-US government, then I am sure that Americans will come to attend Nawaz and Imran’s 2013 elections rallies, instead of Pakistanis.
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3 issues.
ET is not quoting verbatim what Munter said. If that’s the headline, please quote exactly.
IK has never propogated an anti-american Pakistan. That’s just critics boxing his positions to make him seem like an unreasonable, emotional, reactionary, fundamentalist man.
Imran Khan has always argued that this current equation with WoT is not working. Resolve poltically, guarantee the world that there is a lower risk of terrorism from your soil, and the world will listen.
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Birds of the same feather flock together. All these A, B, C, etc patries are the same to fool the public. Once in power they have to listen to their master or else…………..kaputt.
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last minute try to create controversy before his deserved exit from Pakistan… bye bye Munter, have fun in your own country!
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had this news only named Nawaz – the reaction of readers would have been totally diff…. i wlways say: Imran is NO DIFFERENT!!!
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@Oops!e:
@Ikism:
Pro-US means not meddling with the US foreign policy with regards to Afghanistan and other countries. Not jeopardizing the transport of NATO containers.Recommend
@Parvez:
Sir, they can and should support the US, that is the right thing to do and their democratic right as well. However, talking from both sides of the mouth when in public is only double talk, deception and duplicity.
Regards,
MirzaRecommend
Just watched the whole interview twice, he never mentioned Imran Khan or Nawaz Sharif even once. Recommend
ET this is pure mischief making. Nobody sane is is going to tell American ambassador that they are anti-American. The question should be to American administration if they are willing to give space to work on serious and critical problems Pakistan faces or it is WOT only and for ever.
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So you want people to vote for PPP again?
Way to go PTI
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Problem is not with supporting the US. The problem is have two faces, one for the masters and the other for the little boy down the lane (Public).
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action speaks louder. This is a false news.
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Oh well – shows that IK isn’t all that different than your other politicians — says one thing to the USA and another to the public. No surprise.
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Mr. Nawaz Sharif opposes some American policies but never declares himself an anti-American nor he eats, sleeps and marches with anti-Americans. On the other hand, MR. Imran khan do not leave any stone unturned to prove himself as an anti-American, he marches with anti-Americans but eats and sleeps with pro-Americans. He is a very confused person.
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Deeply disappointed. As a strong supporter of IK, didn’t expect this. :(
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i believe this is not true as far IK concern..
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At least Imran should come clean with his intentions with respect to Pak-US ties.
In all reality being pro-US does not equate to supporting “War on Terror.” Now, Imran will have to come clean as to exactly what he will do once in power in regards to ending war in Afghanistan, and ending supply routes which he should state.
Will it be effective immediately?
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lolzzz…Munter strikes out at NS and Imran before his exit. U.S. knows very well that all you have to do to discredit anyone in Pakistan is to just say that the person is pro-US. I would work other way around, Henry Kissinger said right after October Jalsa last year that rise of IK in Pakistan is something to be monitored very closely because of its significance vis-a-vis US foreign policy hurdles.
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on the other hand, Munter may be trying to blemish Imran Khan and PTI’s reputation just to weaken them.
Lets see now, Imran and PTI will have to VERY clear as to what they will do when they assume leadership.
People expect IMMEDIATE end of WOT.
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Shows the hypocrisy of our leaders who lies to us and tell something else to foreign dignitaries. Why they cannot have the courage to tell their masses that no government in Pakistan can be anti American? We are a client state & heavily indebted due to our the reason that we live beyond our means with spectacular fantasies of pan Islamic version & strategic depth syndrome.
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What’s the ‘news’ in this news. All governments are like this. However rule this country, came with the ‘aashirbaad’ of US so we are used to it …
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So what’s the news here???ET stop behaving like “nawa e waqt”.
DId both of them ever said that they will wage a war against US??.Obviously both are not Iranian Ahmadinejad.and what is the benefit to be anti-American???Just to be Sultan Rahi??
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Anyone with slight understanding of economy and foreign policy knows that IK rhetoric is just meant to attract clueless right wing voters. A globally isolated bankrupt state with Taliban in FATA and Baluchistan can’t simply “jang se niklein’ as Imran puts it
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ET will always make Raai Ka Pahar whenever IK is in concern. Kabi 100% sach bi chaap lia karo..
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liar express tribune…not even a single time munter said this..u hv make up it on ur own…watch the interview again,,
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Imran Khan never said he is Anti-US so why the surprise?
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At the time of giving interview by the US Ambassador to BBC, neither Nawaz Sharif was sitting with him nor Imran Khan.
It is Mr.Cameron Munter personal wish that after the 2013 elections in either case who so ever win the elections whether Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif or Imran Khan, they are going to make a pro-US government.
The reality is that Nawaz Sharif’s PML(N) and Imran Khan’s PTI will only be able to win the elections if they will deliver anti-US speeches.
Anti-US sentiments are at its peak and in no case Nawaz Sharif or Imran Khan will make such a blunder to assure the US Ambassador that they will make a pro-US goverment.
Instead of making such sweeping statements, can Mr. Munter predicts whether Mr. Barak Hussain Obama will win the second term of election?
Whether Mr. Munter being a US government servant can comment on that or not, but let me inform the valued readers of ET that keeping in view what was going on in US after Mr. Obama took the office, there is a very rare possibility that Mr. Obama will win the second term of President’s election.
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I think Munter is trying to get Zardari re-elected. Excllent tactics.
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Imran Khan never said he is “anti-US”.. He always said that in all of his interviews he is against policies of US which affects Pakistan..
He always said that he is NOT “anti-any-government”… Also in Lahore jalsa and may other jalsas, he always said that We want to be friends with US not their slaves.. The only thing Imran Khan is against is the US policies i.e. drone attacks, US aid, interfering in Pakistan’s internal issues..
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USA has called for a 3-way race between PPP, PML and PTI. One who assures of greatest compliance, will be crowned winner. Its a close race.
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He is telling lie. Imran is pro Pakistani ….
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Was is a part of NATO resumption deal ? :)
And off-course US would love to see Zardari eleven elected back :) nice move Mr. Munter.
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Has PTI issued a “denial” yet ?
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@Mirza, Sorry for personal comment but you seem to be more loyal to the “King” than “King” himself .
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OOOOOPPPPPPsssssss!!!
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With the bestowed power on me, I declare PPP the next government.
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@Mirza: Suggest you read my comment again.
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Confusion, Power Play, Sticks, Carrots,Drones, Air Craft Careers, Media all kind of tools for this traumatized nation….. right?!!!!!!!!!! Mr.Munter.
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IK is a flirt, he will do any thing and promise any one as he knows that he is not coming in power so promise the delivery which is never going to be asked.
Where as Nawaz has to run the governament, bring prosperity to Pakistan, so he does not need to be anti of any one rather friend of every one so that any country does not fight with him and he can deliver to Pakistanies, he is a true Pakistani. All Pakistan love him.
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Looking at the response of PML-N and PTI on the Nato supply resumption, this news holds its ground, at least apparently. It appears as if no one is ready to side with the public sentiment and the statements are for public consumption. Given the failure of current ruling coalition and assuming the news is true, our future seems quite bleak.
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If Pakistan were the solution, there would be no problem.
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should we favour PTI just to make way for theocracy!!!
PTI ka matlib kia.
Perpitrators tehreek-e-ilzam
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Imran Khan is a man of his words & so what if he said it. He’s not been in power but delivered on his own hard earned money. He didn’t use any public money & media specially the pro American N-League is making an issue out of it to defame IK. Lemme tell ya we as the followers won’t be bogged down by this kinda smears campaign. we don’t accept any pro-league or pro-party media personnel that tries to defame an honest & last hope of a country that’s been disintegrated already. Peace out
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Well, well, well… I wonder what all the PTI fans are going to say. Probably say that this man is lying. Of-course they lionized him earlier when he said drones should be stopped.
Kind of like how the judiciary and most right wingers do not believe most of what Mansoor Ijaz says except the unsubstantiated statement that the memo had been dictated verbally by HH.
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Although I think there is nothing wrong with it but still I think Mr. Munter has to come clean on it with exact wordings. If both NA and IK said they are not anti-american which both of them have said numerous times before then it doesn’t automatically mean that they are pro-american.
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@Pipeline issue: Mr. Munter!!!! We know what is better for us.Recommend
@Falcon: “lolzzz…Munter strikes out at NS and Imran before his exit”
Munter’s intent maybe what you say but that is irrelevant. What is relevant is – is he speaking the truth? If he is then it shows that Imran is talking out of both sides of his mouth. After all Imran has claimed that he would shoot drones down – by no means can that be considered a pro-US policy.
Of course Imran has a habit of saying different things to Indian journalists and in Pakistani jalsas also.
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this is NOC from US
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@faraz: “Anyone with slight understanding of economy and foreign policy knows that IK rhetoric is just meant to attract clueless right wing voters.”
But now even the “clueless right wing voters” per your definition know that Imran did not really mean what he said about shooting down drones.
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Imran fans are in denial.
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The people of Pakistan should accept the reality that all governments are made by USA for it’s own interests every one is puppet use anti Americanism for increasing their RATES
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“if you talk to Pakistani leaders, you will get to know that there is no shortage of electricity in the country. It only needs good management, improvements and new rates.”
LOL!
Great sense of humor Mr. Ambassador……
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We are not much surprised Mr Munter. We are passing through the time of political deception and illusions. No one is able to come into politics without your ‘say’.
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LOL!!! Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan play the same game in private as Establishment and PPP!
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Now PTI members will try to justify their power hungry leader.
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How can one statement from Munter confirms the agenda? Munter will be laughing at the response of our nation on just one statement and we have passed the judgement!!
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Huh whats so bog about this news ?? obviously we cant be againt usa we will be there friends but we will not be slaves and hired killer of usa .. so people there aint nothing wrong with been pro usa as long as they dont intervene in our domestic issues
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@ALL COMMENTS! OMG; Biased people all over. Fans Fans! not a single neutral comment. I can sense PTI is also coming up like all other parties. Now there is no difference left between any party. May God Save this Country. I Dont have issues with news. I have issues with people commenting here.
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Cameron Munter is lying and his this statement is based on falsehood,embellishment and fabrication because Imran Khan has been never pro-USA and as far as Nawaz Sharif is concerned then about him nothing can be said surely because on Kargil issue Nawaz Sharif met Bill Clinton and nothing said about his meeting with him to the media and after his meeting with Bill Clinton forces were withdrawn immediately.
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Where does in the video Munter says: Imran Khan is a pro-US? Also, If someone read the whole story, there’s not even a mention of Imran Khan… what kind of journalism is that?
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Well well well! Now IK is learning the politics but I dont know what will become of his supporters who are finding different justifications to assert which actually doesn’t exist!
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We need to see his interview before trusting tribune. I have done some research and I feel many news from tribune are misleading
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IF only anyone had bothered to see the interview.. there is no mentioning of Imran khan.. in any context..
Thankyou ET- Yellow :)
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IK has always said that he is against US policies not USA the country. At least I trust him when he says that we should be free of american slavery.
Besides, what I want to know is when this meeting took place.
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Ha-ha. IK & NS have assured Munter that their governments will be slaves of US.
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Here is the link to BBC urdu’s website. Tell me people when does cameron munter say that IK is pro USA?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/urdu/multimedia/2012/07/120709munteriv_zs.shtml
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No surprise!!! Imran is no different to nawaz and zardari.
Compromises… Compromises… Compromises…
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Is the newspaper spreading lies about IK?
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@Tahir:
Then this is one of those tricks these western countries are so good at. Say something ambiguous. Press is ‘our’. News will run and run and then people will accept it.
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