Pak ignored 'witness accounts, physical proof that show Davis acted in self-defense': US

Islamabad, Feb 12(ANI): The US Consul General in Lahore has 'regretted' that Pakistani authorities 'did not consider eyewitness accounts and physical evidence' when they stated that US diplomat Raymond Davis intentionally killed two Pakistani men in Lahore and that the act was not committed in self-defence.

US CG in Lahore, Carmela Conroy, said the arrested American diplomat was remanded into judicial detention in Lahore in connection with the January 27 shooting incident.

"We understand that eyewitnesses at the scene said that Ray [Raymond] acted in self defense when confronted with two armed men on a motorcycle. We also understand that these men were found with stolen property and, as the police stated today, a loaded gun. We regret that authorities did not consider these eyewitness accounts and physical evidence when they stated that this was not a case of self-defense," Carmela said in a press statement.

She said the incident, in which three Pakistani men were killed, was a tragedy, and "we feel tremendous sorrow over the loss of life. We extend our deep sympathy to all the family members who have been affected."

Carmela, however, reiterated that as a member of the Administrative and Technical staff at the US Embassy in Islamabad, Davis was entitled to "full immunity from criminal prosecution by Pakistan" under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961.

"All countries, including my country and your country, freely agreed to abide by these rules. Under the rules, he should be freed immediately," she added.

Carmela said the United States "respected the law and Pakistan's sovereignty, and expected all representatives of our government to respect the laws of our host nation. We respect the people of Pakistan and enjoy working and living in this country. Americans and Pakistanis can accomplish so much together."

"We need to resolve this case immediately and continue our work, including cooperation in education and health, our common fight against extremist violence, and building bridges between the people of Pakistan and America," she added. (ANI)