Cameron Munter asks Pakistan to stop blaming foreign intervention

Cameron Munter, the outgoing ambassador to the United States, asked Pakistan to stop blaming foreign interventions, saying it will not resolve multiple internal challenges the country is facing in the present scenario.

In his farewell message to the Facebook community in Pakistan, he observed, “Pakistan must look to its own people and its own potential to meet these challenges”. He also welcomed Pakistan’s active role in building a stable, secure and prosperous neighboring country, Afghanistan.

Commenting about his replacement, he said, Richard Olson, a veteran diplomat and former ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will be replacing him in Islamabad.

In his view, Pakistan was still facing host of challenges including security, energy, education, and economic development.

He, however, said the country has potential to overcome these challenges if moved in positive way. The United States will stand behind it, as it does so, he added.

He was of the opinion that Washington and many other friends of Pakistan will offer their support, assistance and encouragement, as Pakistan moves on.

Munter, however, expressed optimism about the future of the bilateral relationships between Washington and Islamabad, which had suffered in the recent past.

He noted, “Today is my last day in Pakistan as the US Ambassador. Throughout my tenure, the United States and Pakistan have faced tremendous challenges. Our ties have suffered”.

He was of the opinion that he was leaving the country at a time when enduring relationship between Pakistan and the United States was poised to find new ways of mutual interest, enhanced cooperation and increasing productivity.

The outgoing US envoy wrote, “With NATO supply lines open and with Prime Minister Ashraf having just concluded a successful visit to Afghanistan, Pakistan has demonstrated its intention to be a key player in fostering regional stability and taking an active role in building a stable, secure, and prosperous Afghanistan. The United States welcomes this role”.

Later, while speaking to a private TV channel, Munter rejected the impression that he informed his bosses in the US that Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will sweep the next general elections.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on Jul 25 2012. Filed under National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.