Summary Richard Olson says talks are possible with all militant groups, including the Haqqani network.
ISLAMABAD:-The US new Ambassador to Pakistan, Richard Olson has acknowledged about 50,000 scarifies rendered by Pakistan in its 10-year war against terrorism.
Talking to BBC, he expressed deep gratitude and appreciation of Pakistan’s sacrifices, which had also suffered quite a blow to Pakistan’s internal infrastructure and developmental progress.
“We understand that Pakistan had to face similar challenges as America was bound to bear with the passage of time”, said US envoy.
“ The question remains, as to what grading, importance Pakistani citizen gives to this (pertinent) issue, as I or any other outsider cannot do so”, he regretted.
“Any group, member embarking on confrontation with state apparatus that agrees to implementation and support of Afghan reconciliation policy, would be welcome for dialogue”, he assured.
During his interview he also expressed the strong possibility that America’s latest reconciliation policy could be applied to all extremist groups, and as such Haqqani Group also stood a chance to benefit, stating that “talks with Haqqani Group could also be initiated”.
Regarding the Pakistani chapter of Haqqani group, he said that taking any further action against the most bothersome Haqqani network was the responsibility of Pakistan’s government.
Referring to Afghanistan’s reconciliation policy, he said that this was the sole prerogative of Afghan government, who could alone deliberate over the issue.
Replying to a question regarding his possible quest for better relations with Pakistan, could differ from that of his predecessor, Olson said that despite some past difficulties and misunderstandings, he fully agreed to Pakistan’s foreign minister, Hina Rabbani Khar’s contention that Pak-USA ties for headed for better times ahead.
“Resumption of NATO supply line was/is one very major and important precursor of good times ahead, since there were acute tensions over the issue”, he deliberated.
Deliberating over the fact that drone attacks were one of the foremost sore points in Pak-USA relationship, he expressed that “According to my opinion, Pakistan and America were jointly suffering from the setbacks of terrorism and extremism, while this was indeed equally a major challenge for the entire world”; contending that as such America wanted to combat the menace, jointly with Pakistan.
Responding about possible action against the popular Tehrik-e Taliban Swat (region) leader, Maulvi Fazlullah, he said that action could be taken over any viable intelligence about the outfit.
Replying to another question about America desire for a military operation by Pakistan army in Northern Wazirstan, he said that any decision regarding the internal issue and concern rested on the will of Pakistani government.
During the lighter moments of the interview, he brushed aside any safe bet on future ‘political horse’ (stakeholder) of Pakistan, musing that “Our horse is democracy, and we (USA) want free, fair and transparent elections, which should result in smooth fair transition of power from one civilian government to another,” he expressed.
