Thaindian News

Islamabad, Mar 22(ANI): The United States is showing a cold response to Pakistan’s efforts in seeking its apology over last week’s drone attack that targeted a tribal peace congregation in North Waziristan Agency, in which at least 41 innocent people were killed.

Neither has US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter honoured his pledge to leave for Washington to deliver Islamabad’s note of protest, nor does the US State Department seem prepared to tender an apology over the drone strike, The Nation quoted well-placed sources, as saying.

Munter was to leave for Washington on Saturday following a meeting with Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, which was held in the Foreign Office, the report said.

However, the US envoy has not yet left Pakistan, which gives further credence to the doubts that America is in no mood to tender apology over the issue, it added.

The Foreign Office spokesperson had no explanation when asked about the prospect of US seeking apology, except by saying: ” We have made a strong demarche. Our concerns have been clearly and strongly conveyed. We shall continue to raise this matter with the US”.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, has no plans to say a word over this crucial issue when he addresses the joint sitting of the Parliament today, the report said.

Sources expect that Zardari may include the issue ahead of his address, but so far his speech does not include any reference to the US drone strikes that continue to breach Pakistan’s sovereignty and independence. (ANI)