Khalilzad's remarks: Pakistan's resentment conveyed to Rocca

24 Apr, 2004

Pakistan Ambassador to the United States Ashraf Jehangir Qazi called on US Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca on Tuesday and discussed, among other matters, recent developments in Pakistan-US relations, sources told newsman here on Friday.
Ambassador Ashraf Qazi conveyed protest in respect of the unfortunate remarks that were made by the US Ambassador to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, and hoped that the remarks would not be repeated.
The Pakistan envoy also conveyed the thanks of the Pakistan government for the US government's decision to accord major non-Nato Ally status to Pakistan, and requested for an expeditious confirmation of the status.
Rocca said that the process for confirmation of the designation was under way, and noted that no difficulties were anticipated and that it would come into effect on schedule.
The sources added that they also discussed the visit of the Finance Minister to Washington for the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which was now under way. Besides, the programme for the scheduled visit of Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri in May was also discussed.
The sources stated the US Ambassador to Kabul had made more positive statements about Pakistan's co-operation in the war on terror and the sacrifices it had made in the operation launched in South Waziristan.

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