Raymond Davis spate: Prime Minister gives policy statement

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday vowed not to compromise on country's sovereignty. Though, he categorically stated that Raymond Davis' issue would be decided by the court, but the opposition remained sceptical over the commitment.
"We are a responsible government, conscious of public sentiment and will not compromise on Pakistan's sovereignty and dignity," the PM said in a policy statement on the floor of the National Assembly over Davis issue that had rattled relations between the two allies in war against terrorism.
Faisal Saleh Hayat of PML-Q and Maulana Fazalur Rehman, a former coalition partner of the government and chief of his own faction of JUI expressed dissatisfaction over the statement, saying the question of 'diplomatic immunity' was still unanswered. They also referred to the statements of former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Salaman Bashir that suggested Raymond Davis, the US official charged with killing two persons in Lahore last month, was not entitled to 'blanket immunity' being demanded by the US.
"I once again condemn the incident," the PM said while conveying sentiments of sorrow to the bereaved family on behalf of the government and the Parliament. He acknowledged the fact that there was difference of opinion between Pakistan and the United States on the issue of interpretation and applicability of international and national laws, which he said was "because of ambiguity and inconsistency that is reflected in the available record."
Though Obama administration is mounting pressure on the government for immediate release of Raymond Davis under Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the Prime Minister said, "We are mindful of our international obligations under the Vienna Conventions and other international legal instruments to which we are signatory."
However, the opposition apprehends that the government may succumb to the pressure and release Raymond Davis. The PM referred to a Lahore High Court (LHC) order, under which Davis's name has been put on Exit Control List (ECL) and said the issue of 'diplomatic immunity' would be decided by the court.
"As partner in peace and progress the democratic government in Pakistan and President Obama's administration are working hard to build a long term strategic relationship. I am confident both governments will not allow the Davis case to come in the way of this mutually beneficial partnership," he added.
In response to the policy statement by the PM, Makhdoom Faisal Saleh Hayat took the initiative in smelling a rat as he asked the government why it was reluctant to declare whether or not Raymond Davis was entitled to diplomatic protection from the prosecution. "I hope there is no plan to cover up the matter," he maintained. Maulana Fazalur Rehman expressed surprise over delay in announcement on the part of government, saying that determination of diplomatic status can be done from the passport, which speaks for itself. In addition, he urged Punjab government to clear the doubts by revealing details related to the issue. "It is public pressure that Raymond Davis is still behind bars, otherwise he might have been in the US," he said.