Kerry urges Pak to free Davis, promises criminal investigation against him in US
February 16th, 2011 - 11:21 am ICT by ANIIslamabad, Feb 16(ANI): US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John F. Kerry has voiced regret for the killings of two Pakistani men by an American official in Lahore, and sought to reassure the Pakistanis by announcing that the United States would launch its own probe into the matter.
“I want to come here to express our deepest regret for those tragic events and to express the sorrow of American people for the loss of life that has taken place,” SAMAA TV quoted Kerry, as saying.
“I’ve come here to listen. I haven’t come here to order anybody to do anything; I haven’t come here to dictate,” he added.
Kerry, who was dispatched by the Obama administration on Monday night “to meet with senior Pakistani government officials and to reaffirm US support for the strategic relationship between the two countries,” reiterated Washington’s stance that Raymond Davis should be freed under diplomatic immunity.
He also assured that a complete investigation would be carried out in the US, and that proper action would be taken against Davis by the US Justice Department.
“I can give you the assurance that our Department of Justice will conduct a criminal investigation… and let that facts speak for themselves,” he said.
“Let’s work together as two countries which have a huge common interest, who are working together toward the same goal and find a path forward,” the US Senator added.
However, Pakistan has insisted so far that the case should be dealt with by its courts, and the Lahore High Court is expected to reconvene on Thursday after giving the Foreign Ministry 15 days to answer on Davis’ immunity status. (ANI)
- US disappointed over Pak Govt's failure to certify Davis' diplomatic immunity status - Feb 18, 2011
- Davis case should not mar Pakistan-US ties: Kerry - Feb 16, 2011
- Double murder-accused American has "no complete immunity": Qureshi - Feb 16, 2011
- Davis case adjourned till March 14 after Pak FM seeks more time to reply on his status - Feb 17, 2011
- Pak court indicts Raymond Davis for double murder - Mar 16, 2011
- Cornered Zardari asks US to respect Pak judiciary in Davis issue standoff - Feb 17, 2011
- Pak Govt has decided to grant Davis diplomatic immunity to end row with US: Official - Feb 17, 2011
- Pak assures Kerry of no espionage charges against Davis, no custody of other US accused - Feb 19, 2011
- Kerry hints at possibility of bill being moved in Senate 'against US aid to Pak' - Feb 16, 2011
- Formal complaint filed against Davis in Lahore court - Feb 15, 2011
- 'Kin want blood for blood, not payoff over double murder-accused Raymond Davis' - Feb 21, 2011
- Lahore High Court dismisses petitions on Davis immunity - Mar 14, 2011
- Kerry heads to Pakistan after formal complaint against Davis (Lead) - Feb 15, 2011
- 'Pressurised' Pak Foreign Office relents, declares murder accused American "a diplomat" - Feb 16, 2011
- Davis case: Foreign ministry seeks more time from court - Feb 17, 2011
Tags: chairman john, criminal investigation, department of justice, diplomatic immunity, foreign ministry, foreign relations committee, government officials, john f kerry, killings, lahore high court, pakistani government, pakistanis, raymond davis, senate foreign relations, senate foreign relations committee, senate foreign relations committee chairman, tragic events, us justice department, us senate foreign relations committee, us senator