WASHINGTON: Pakistan's ambassador in Washington Husain Haqqani is travelling the United States, feverishly defending his country against assertions that Islamabad maintains close contacts with Afghan militants, who target US interests in the conflict-hit Afghanistan, according to a US newspaper.
The Washington Times cited Haqqani's recent speech during his continuing travels in Chicago and other cities in which the envoy appealed for "more understanding" for the difficulties Pakistan faces in dealing with radical elements.
"My request to Americans is to be patient with Pakistan," he said in one of the appearances.
In his presentation, Haqqani referred to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's remarks at a Congressional hearing to justify Pakistan's attempts to hold talks with the Taliban.
The Times report appeared as the two countries renewed their efforts to smooth out differences and find a more mutually acceptable way forward in the decade-old Afghan conflict, with Washington acknowledging the importance of Islamabad's role in the Afghan reconciliation process. The relations between the two countries soured this year.
"That Mr. Haqqani, an urbane and polished diplomat, had to assure a sophisticated audience of foreign affairs specialists that hostilities are unthinkable between the US and a key South Asian ally shows how deeply the relationship has deteriorated," the Times referred to a report on Haqqani's remarks.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan embassy in Washington says Ambassador Haqqani will continue to travel across the United States, speaking to audiences that influence policy as part of efforts to make sure that Pakistan's perspective is also understood.
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