US not pushing Pakistan on N Waziristan operation: Af-Pak envoy
After arriving in Islamabad on Saturday for talks with political and military leaders on "issues of bilateral and mutual concern", Grossman told the state television in an interview that any decision for an operation will be taken by Pakistan.
Talking about US-Pak relations, he said that both countries have multifaceted relations, which were improving daily. He added that relations between the US and Pakistan should be based on mutual respect.
Calling for relations to be further focused on economic collaborations, Grossman said trade between the two counties was improving with 20 per cent of Pakistani products being exported to the US.
He called for further investment in Pakistan by US companies.
Responding to a question on bilateral relations, Grossman said he doesn't believe that the relationship between the two countries was transactional since Pakistan was the biggest beneficiary of the Fulbright scholarship programme and that the United States was also providing assistance in the energy sector.
He said that Pakistan and US were making efforts for regional peace and for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.
Grossman's visit takes place amid growing opposition in the country to continued US drone strikes.
"It is a bilateral visit. Grossman will hold talks with political and military leaders and discuss all matters of mutual interests," US embassy spokeswoman Rian Harris had told AFP earlier, without giving further details.
Foreign ministry spokesman Moazzam Ahmad Khan had told reporters last week "the visit is part of the ongoing engagements", which will enable the two sides to "discuss all issues of mutual interest as well as concern".
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@cyrus: You said it what I wanted to post in my next comments. The path which Pakistan is following presently in tackling terrorism and sectarian killings, only a miracle can save this country from the coming disaster.
@Shahid: You are absolutely right. The TTP came into existence only a few years back when Pakistan refused to get involved in fighting with the 'good Taliban' and allow 'boots on the ground.' Additionally, Pakistan did not trust the Americans for a multitude of good reasons and did not want to send its soldiers to fight in Afghanistan, so we are paying the price of infidelity to the Americans. The Americans get ulcers and heartburn when they see a semblance of peace and independence in the country. That is why we have so many political parties of different hues and opinions far exceeding the number of cockroaches in the country. Even the political and economic thinkers cum planners are from their think tanks and financial institutions. Have you ever thought why Zia was insistent on hanging the late great Zulfikar Ali Bhutto? Salams
@Enlightened: Its not they. If we come out of the denial mood we will realise that our own mindset has already brought us at the threshold of stone age.
No pressure on Pakistan.....US does not pressurize Pakistan, they only give threats of pushing Pakistan into STONE AGE....Who says US pressurises Pakistan?
Peace is yes that all we need Peace is thing the best indeed Peace in north Waziristan, yes Peace we seek and must possess
Peace for Russia, China, all America too in peace be tall We love peace and war we hate Global peace will make all great
Love the fellow human best Peace for all is peace for test Listen my friend, listen bud Live in peace, there won't be blood
Let us all be friends, not foe Then the life be good we know Peaple of all religions, faces We are one, with love embraces
No pushing, no threats but a few mild words like returning to 'stone-age'.
@Shahid
Your bias is showing. Grossman is being interviewed by Pakistani reporters and responding to questions with "no comment" would be inappropriate. What exactly did Grossman say that warrants legitimate criticism?
Good, then dont talk about it. Why is it that this issue is a top agenda item for discussion and still no pressure on Pak. Lets talk about TTP and their paymasters. Maybe then all will understand who is doing what....; Dear friend, dear Marc, it is time all including you must work towards peace and try to attain concensus on action plan favoring Pak and US. Not only US interest should be prime, but US-Pak interest should be the only thing to work for and die for. If only Pak or only US interest is prime then no solution is going to cross roads to peace and many more will be laid to rest. Please go back and come again with joint agenda benefitting both US & Pak, only then things will happen. simple as that.
Repeated Snub: Its below Mrs Clinton to visit the charming Ally:) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
the boss arrives.....
Conspiracy theory: US special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman arriving to Islamabad leads to attack by LeT in Kashmir leads to tension at the eastern border leads to alert for army at the eastern border leads to answer for Grossman; Sorry would like to help but lack of army available for N. Waziristan operation leads to business as usual.
The US should leave Pakistan alone. If not all, US is the reason for most of our problems.