US not pushing Pakistan on N Waziristan operation: Af-Pak envoy

Grossman stresses US-Pak relations should be based on mutual respect and more focused on economic collaboration.


Web Desk/afp October 20, 2012

ISLAMABAD: US special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman has said that America is not pushing Pakistan to launch a military operation in North Waziristan, Radio Pakistan reported on Saturday. 

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".

COMMENTS (12)

Enlightened | 11 years ago | Reply

@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.

the Skunk | 11 years ago | Reply

@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

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