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Obama to bring message of peace for region during India visit

Last Updated : 03 May 2018, 04:24 IST

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Obama will bring a message of peace for the region during his visit to India and the US will support any effort by Pakistan and India to resolve the longstanding issue of Jammu and Kashmir, Munter said in an interview with state-run Radio Pakistan.

When his attention was drawn towards alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, Munter said it is important for Pakistan and India to talk on this issue.
The US has been publishing reports every year on the state of human rights around the world, he said.

Asked about the US giving Pakistan a civil nuclear deal similar to the one finalised with India, he pointed out that the arrangement with India took many years to materialise and the US is committed to remain engaged with Pakistan to help it overcome its energy problem.

Munter acknowledged that nuclear power can play an important role in bridging the gap between demand and supply of energy in Pakistan.Referring to bilateral relations between the US and Pakistan, Munter said the ties were "not transactional in nature and based on mutual respect, common values and how to work together".

He expressed confidence that during his next visit to the US, President Asif Ali Zardari will take with him specific ideas for cooperation in the economic, energy and military fields.
The agenda for the upcoming talks between Presidents Obama and Zardari will focus on further strengthening the strategic relationship.

The process will be carried forward when Obama visits Pakistan next year, he said.
Munter pointed out that Obama is perhaps the only US President who has had a long relationship with Pakistan that predates his presidency.His visit to Pakistan will be a "sort of emotional and diplomatic homecoming for President Obama", he added.

Replying to a question, he said the US strongly supports Pakistan's efforts to seek trade and not aid as it is the way to generate jobs and create stability.The US appreciates the European Union's move to open its markets for Pakistani goods and the US administration is committed to do the same, he said.

"The US is also committed to the proposal of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (being set up in Pakistan’s tribal belt)," he said.

 Munter spoke highly of Pakistan's contribution and sacrifices in the war on terror and said the US will provide the country every possible cooperation to ensure that this part of the world is rid of terrorists.

He appreciated the Pakistan government's decision to order an inquiry into reports of alleged extra-judicial killings during the war on terror."We share common values in defending human rights and efforts should be made to prevent mistakes," he said.
Responding to a question about Pakistan's role in Afghanistan, Munter said, "We all need to support the efforts of the Afghan government to seek solutions for the problems in that country."He hoped Pakistan would be supportive of the Afghan reconciliation process.

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Published 28 October 2010, 08:22 IST

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