Talking to the media after a seminar, the ambassador denied reports of the arrival of any US official in the country, including Gen Jones, as well as any meetings held between Pakistan and US officials in Qatar.
According to reports, meetings between the countries’ intelligence officials took place in Qatar earlier last week.
The reports suggested that ISI chief Lt Gen Shuja Pasha held meetings with US officials in Qatar; however, Ambassador Munter said he was not aware of any such meetings.
Hopes for an optimistic 2012
Munter further said that the US wishes to open dialogue with Pakistan aimed at achieving a more realistic cooperation goal in 2012.
He said that there were numerous issues between the two countries that came forward in 2011, most of which will be discussed this year.
The ambassador added that the US was trying its best to cooperate with Pakistan on every level possible. “The United States’ interest and values are clear and straightforward towards Pakistan,” he said.
Ties between the two allies dropped to the lowest ebb following the November 26 Nato attack in Mohmand Agency, which killed 24 troops. As a result, Islamabad shut Nato supply routes in the country, demanded an airbase to be vacated and formed a parliamentary commission to review its ties with Washington.
Munter expressed faith in the assessment carried out by the parliamentary commission and said that the outcome will be respected by the US.
“My understanding is that they [parliament] are coming to the end of this assessment, which will begin a period where American and Pakistani leaders will be in touch with each other,” he said.
He added that the issue of Nato supplies will also be in view of the assessment made by parliament. “We can leave it to the Pakistani authorities who are reviewing the parliamentary assessment.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 6th, 2012.
COMMENTS (22)
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@Usman:
The decision not to address the energy needs of PAK was a decision that was made years ago. PAK instead of planning for it future energy needs made the choice to build nuclear weapons. This is why so much of PAK is without electricity and businesses are closing. It was within the right of PAK to make this choice. One assumes this decision was made in the best interest of PAK. Now the US is mading decisions that it concerts to be in its best interest. That these decisions are not to PAK liking is no different than developing nuclear weapons were to the US liking. He is not threating PAK he is stating the position of the US and what the outcomes might be for PAK. Like with your nuclear weapons program PAK gets to choose what decision it will make going forward.
@MarkH: I guess you are new to subversion, maybe read few books then we can talk.
@Moise: He hasn't broken any laws in any country! Has anyone ever been successful in explaining anything to you?
My comment 100% recommended by me!
@Hasan: If he lied he will get caught, if he is speaking truth he will be ok.
@Harry Stone: New Pakistan's justice.
@Moise: What the crap are you talking about? The man is a witness of sorts. He's not being looked at as any sort of criminal by either side. He never was. Not even a little.
@Moise: Why would he be facing justice if he was to visit Pakistan? Me thinks you have no idea what you are talking about!
@rk from NY: Pakistanis would love it if none of American visits or meddle in pakistani affairs, we are,were and will be better off with out your "kind presense" in our country. Thank you very much.
We do not need Gen Jones, unless he is a prosecution witness. We have made up our minds and HH is held guilty of the memo the innocent double agent Mansoor wrote and delivered. The PCO CJ have already remarked that Gen Jones is not credible for his court vs. our star witness.
Does anyone believe that the Commission hasn't read the public statements made by the General? To refresh your memory he said he received an unsigned memo from Mansoor Ijaz who is considered an unreliable publicity seeker by the United States Govt. He did not take the memo seriously and the US govt took no action on the memo. No one has disputed the Generals statement including the ISI which is pointing the finger at Haqqani. Further -- does anyone believe that the ISI would ask the Saudi's for permission to overthrow the govt? Does anyone believe that the Saudi's wouldn't immediately pass that information directly to the American's? This entire affair doesn't even pass the basic common sense smell test yet your willing to tear your country apart --- just more Pakistani drama.
Memo gate is PAK problem. US participation is a courtesy not a mandatory requirement.
To all those people who r trying to act up on this article by saying that: "we don't need him", well then why did u or ur reporter asked that question? It doesn't matter what u think, Americans don't give a damn about what Pakistanis think and they shouldn't.
@Moise:
Whose justice?
we dont need him either
Situation prevailing in Pakistan, it would be advisable that James Jones should come on a one way ticket to Islamabad. I doubt if Jones would remotely think of coming to Pakistan.
Munter may be genuine as a person but the way he opposed Iran-Pakistan pipeline is disgusting. He doesn't have to live without electricity everyday. Industries are closing in Pakistan because of energy shortages and he is uttering threats. Shame on you!
With so much of noise in Pakistan about this memogate, Americans will be least interested in visiting Pakistan and that too to depose before the court. Their lives cannot be safe, They have to be sheltered in PM's house.
I wonder why he is so afraid to come over and face justice.
we dont wish him to visit pakistan.