US asks Pak Govt. to not obstruct peaceful democratic activities

Washington, Mar. 14 (ANI): US special envoy Richard Holbrooke has spoken with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, and conveyed to them Washington's call for not hindering the peaceful democratic activities in the nation.

"The point that Ambassador Patterson, as well as Ambassador Holbrooke, made is that we want to see the situation dealt with in accordance with the rule of law in Pakistan, that violence be avoided, and that any impediments to peaceful and democratic activities not be put in place," The Dawn quoted US State Department's Spokesman Robert Wood, as saying.

Wood also said that the US was still trying to figure out the situation after the lawyers' and politicians' arrest by the Pakistan Government to obstruct the Lawyer's Long March.

"We're still trying to formulate a good assessment, but obviously, the fact that these calls were placed means that we are concerned about the situation and we want to make sure that no violence takes place," he said.

Meanwhile, the US officials have rejected reports claiming that Americans have offered a deal to resolve the Sharif-Zardari rift.

They, however, agreed that the America was upset with the Pakistani government for starting an unnecessary crisis at a stage when both were facing a tough time fighting terrorism.

Diplomatic observers also say that while the Americans are not talking about their contacts with the Pakistani military, both agree on one key point that the current political dispute cannot be allowed to continue. (ANI)