Mere Nato resumption not enough: Munter
11 July, 2012
KARACHI: US Ambassador in Pakistan Cameron Munter has said that the reopening of Nato supplies is not the end, as they have to accomplish more in the field of economic cooperation and eliminate the terrorists present on the Pakistani soil.
In an exclusive interview with BBC on Tuesday, Munter insisted that Pakistan had to be part of the solution and not the problem, as he said it required leadership, courage and cooperation.
He said Pakistan could be part of the solution, but the US was waiting to see Pakistan showing leadership role.
Munter made it clear that Islamabad was required to work closely with the friends in Afghanistan so as to ensure enhanced cooperation in the Afghan war.
He seconded the views expressed by Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Tokyo, where he had said the world could not be described safe until the terror havens outside Afghanistan were working.
"We do not want to increase or reduce the importance of Nato supplies," Munter remarked.
"It was a problem for Pakistan. In fact, it had isolated Pakistan from the 50 friendly countries, now in a joint fight against terror," he said, adding the Pakistani armed forces were also at war with the same terrorists.
The resumption of Nato supplies had opened a door, which would enable them to work together to fight the common enemy, the US ambassador opined.
Replying to a question about Pakistan demanding money in exchange for Nato supplies, he said he was not a part of the dialogue on the issue.
About the US apology for the Salala episode, he was categorical in saying that the statement of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was clear and represented her true feelings.
Munter also said that Pakistan's decision over the Nato supplies was not made in haste. He was answering a question about the feelings expressed by some circles that it was the result of debate in the US Congress to declare the Haqqani network a terrorist organisation.
When asked about the alleged double game of Pakistan and the US, his reply was both the countries had spy services, which could work in cooperation.
To another question about Pakistan moving towards a failed state, he said it had to believe in its strength, which were the people, who had to face the reality that they were facing some challenges and they could resolve them.
A query also sought his opinion over Pakistan's sovereignty and the US drone strikes, to which he said the matter was concerned with the people present within Pakistan, who attacking it from inside.
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