Failed Times Square bombing has 'adversely' affected ties with US: Qureshi

Islamabad, May 11 (ANI): Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi for the first time has admitted that the failed Times Square bombing plot, purportedly planned by a Pakistan origin man, has adversely affected the relationship between Islamabad and Washington.

A private television channel quoted Qureshi as saying that Pakistan's relations with the US has been 'damaged' to an extent following Faisal Shahzad's bungled bombing plot.

He, however, stressed that Pakistan would provide all help to the US concerning the probe into the incident, The Daily Times reports.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with the Chief of Army Staff General Parvez Kayani and other top diplomats, Qureshi said Islamabad and Washington shared multifaceted ties, which had been developed through mutual interest and trust over the years.

Talking about the recent deliberations between India and Pakistan on the sidelines of the XVIth South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit in Thimpu, Qureshi said both the countries have agreed to return to the negotiating table to discuss all pending issues.

He said Pakistan wants a cordial relationship with India on the basis of equality and respect, and reiterated that it would not accept any pre-conditions for resuming the stalled bilateral talks. (ANI)