'Washington needs to explain its motives better'

Munter says US officials need to be better listeners.


Express September 24, 2010

The nominee to be the next United States ambassador to Pakistan has pledged engagement to combat anti-Americanism in the country, saying Washington needed to do a better job explaining its motives.


Cameron Munter, a veteran diplomat in hot-spots such as Iraq and Serbia, said the US should pursue a long-term commitment to help Pakistan fight extremism and recover from devastating floods.


In his confirmation hearing before the Senate, Munter said that US officials needed to be better listeners.


He proposed building a lasting relationship with Pakistani counterparts based on honesty and mutual respect.


Munter said US needed to overcome historical scepticism among Pakistanis about American motives in South Asia.


He also said the US wanted to see Pakistan become a strong, independent state at peace with its neighbours and free of terrorism.


Fifty-six-year-old Munter, who is known as a tough-talker, will replace Anne W Patterson who completed her three-year term in June. It is not yet clear where Patterson will serve next.

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