Munter expresses gratitude

The 'commitment to build relationships' prevailed for which the US Ambassador to Pakistan expressed his gratitude to the people of Pakistan when "blood money" or Diyat in terms of Islamic law Wednesday brought a sigh of relief for the US after Raymond Davis, a CIA contractor charged with killing two in Lahore was set free.
"I wish to express my respect for Pakistan and its people, and my thanks for their commitment to building our relationship, to everyone's benefit. Most of all, I wish to reaffirm the importance that America places in its relationship with Pakistan, and the commitment of the American people to work with their Pakistani counterparts to move ahead in ways that will benefit us all," was the message of US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter after the release of Davis.
In a similar message Senator John Kerry, the architect of Kerry-Lugar Bill expressed gratitude to Pakistan government for the decision. "This was a very important and necessary step for both of our countries to be able to maintain our relationship and remain focused on progress on bedrock national interests, and I'm deeply grateful for the Pakistani government's decision. As I said last month in my visits to Lahore and Islamabad, we deeply regret the loss of life that led to this difficulty in our relationship and the demonstrations on Pakistan's streets, but neither country could afford for this tragedy to derail our vital relationship. We look forward to working with Pakistan to strengthen our relationship and confront our common challenges."
Davis was released immediately after some 18 family members of the victims, Faizan Haider and Faheem Shamshad appeared in trial court after the indictment was handed down and said they had agreed to pardon Davis.
Though decision of the blood relatives, who had staunchly demanded capital punishment for Davis, is suspected by critics, Cameron Munter did acknowledge their "generosity" saying, "The families of the victims of the January 27 incident in Lahore have pardoned Raymond Davis. I am grateful for their generosity. I wish to express, once again, my regret for the incident and my sorrow at the suffering it caused."
In addition, the US Ambassador assured the people of Pakistan of holding a trial of Raymond Davis in the US saying, "I can confirm that the United States Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the incident in Lahore." Since victims' families have pardoned Raymond Davis, the court did not go into nitty-gritty and released him. But legal experts are of the view that Davis' case should have been dealt by Anti-Terrorism Court since he was on a spying mission against the national interests of Pakistan.
Some also pose question over the fact that Raymond Davis was fined Rs 30,000 with an imprisonment of two months for carrying weapons without the legal authority. In this respect, Khawaja Saad Rafiq, an outspoken parliamentarian from the PML-N urged Chief Justice of Pakistan to have an overview of this issue.
The pardon has set into motion fresh debate with critics putting question mark over the 'surprise deal' while holding federal and provincial governments guilty of relinquishment. The terms of the compensation received and deal with the families had not been announced and Rana Sanaullah, Punjab Law Minister also denied in clear terms of any role of his government in striking a deal with the families.
On the other hand, the release triggered widespread demonstrations and riot police moved in action particularly in Lahore where protesters rallied in front of the US Consulate. The wave of anger and unrest was also witnessed in twin cities where protesters blocked roads for hours and rallied against the government and the US.