Americans told not to "micro-manage" post-election scenario in Pak

Washington, Feb 27 : Congressional leaders and other wielders of power and influence here have been told in fairly unambiguous terms not to try to "micro-manage" the post-election situation in Pakistan.

Pakistan Ambassador Mahmud Ali Durrani, in his meetings with US officials, has been frank on this count, arguing that any perceived attempt by the US to manage or micro-manage the situation in Pakistan can only be counterproductive.

He believes that such attempts help no one, including the main stakeholders, nor do they promote good bilateral relations.

Responding to the argument that after the February 18 election Musharraf had grown "unpopular" and therefore step down, Durrani countered if unpopularity is to be made the sole determinant of who should stay in office and who shouldn't, then there are many in this country who should have headed home long ago.

The F-16 issue is another one that does not seem to go away. Once again, it is likely to come up during a congressional hearing this week featuring Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte.

Durrani stressed that Pakistan is paying for the F-16s from its national funds so the deal is a purely commercial one.

"It has also been known that the deployment and posture of the Indian Air Force towards Pakistan remains combative, which makes it essential for Pakistan to be able to maintain a sound defence," the Daily Times quoted him, as saying.

ANI