President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday urged the United States to prevent mistrust caused by isolated diplomatic incidents from spoiling ties between the two nations. Zardari told visiting US envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Marc Grossman that the two countries should not be "swayed by misperceptions and some isolated incidents that may be used by some to increase tensions and mistrust".
In an official statement Zardari also urged Pakistan and US "to remain focused on the path of pursuing long-term, multifaceted and durable strategic ties." Foreign secretary Salman Basir said last week it was too early to conclude that the incident had inflicted long-term damage on ties between the two countries. But Washington is pushing hard for Davis' release, arguing that he has diplomatic immunity and acted in self-defence.
"Weakening of relations was not an option for the two countries. We have to find ways and means to find acceptable solutions to all problems," Zardari added in the statement. Defending Pakistan from accusations by some US officials that it could do more to tackle terrorism, Zardari said "no one should question our commitment or intentions".
He described Pakistan's sacrifices in the war against terrorism as "matchless" adding it is "a long-drawn battle where military means alone can not achieve complete victory." The president also said his country had an "an abiding interest" in a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan. Meanwhile: The new US special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan met Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in Islamabad to ease growing tensions over the arrest of a US national for killing two people.
Marc Grossman also held talks with Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir before meeting Gilani. An official privy to the talks between the US envoy and Gilani on Monday said the prime minister told Grossman that the issue would be handled "in a responsible way and in the light of the court verdict." "Both leaders agreed that the issue would not affect the friendly relations between the two countries," said the official, who asked that his name be withheld.
The new US envoy was also scheduled to meet military chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. Meanwhile, a press statement of Punjab government issued in Lahore said Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has stressed the US to establish its relations with Pakistan on the basis of mutual respect and confidence under which both the countries should look after each others' interests.
He expressed these views while talking to Special US Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Marc Grossman who called on him in Islamabad, disclosed a Punjab government's spokesperson here on Monday. Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Ch. Nisar Ali Khan, Senator Pervaiz Rashid and Khawaja Asif were also present on the occasion while American Ambassador Cameron Munter and senior officials of State Department assisted the US diplomat. The Chief Minister congratulated Marc Grossman on assuming his new responsibilities and expressed the hope that he will be able to play a meaningful role for the improvement and strengthening of bilateral relations between Pakistan and America.
The Chief Minister stressed upon America to evolve such a political strategy in Afghanistan under which the different groups could be included in the future political set-up as it is the only way to restore peace in Afghanistan and bringing about stability in Pakistan. Regarding Raymond Davis case, the Chief Minister said that as the case is subjudice, therefore, it is better to wait for the court's decision and refrain from giving statements in this regard. Both the leaders also discussed US-Pak relations in a cordial atmosphere.