US to remain impartial in Pakistan elections: Patterson

U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Anne W. Patterson, has said that Washington would remain impartial in the forthoming general elections in Pakistan.

Karachi, Oct.24 : U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Anne W. Patterson, has said that Washington would remain impartial in the forthoming general elections in Pakistan.

Patterson also said that Islamabad has been told that the United States would not back a declaration of emergency or an imposition of martial law in the country.

A delegation of US diplomats headed by Patterson visited the offices of the Daily Jang, The News and Geo News in Karachi on Wednesday. US Consul General in Karachi and Press Attaché in Islamabad embassy were also accompanied her.

Patterson visited various sections of the Jang Group and Geo News and held a meeting with the editorial board to exchange views over various national and international issues.

Responding to a question, Patterson denied a US role in the dialogue between Benazir Bhutto and President Musharraf. She said US think tanks, Congressmen and senators were well aware about policies of Bhutto, while in comparison, Sharif is less known.

She said that her country wanted Benazir Bhutto to be given an opportunity to play her role in Pakistan's politics and if she wins the majority of votes, she should be allowed to be the prime minister for a third time.

Replying to another question, Patterson agreed that the situation in WANA is deteriorating and clarified that her country was not opposed to dialogue for peace in Waziristan. She emphasized the need for a dialogue in the area to seek a solution to the problems.

ANI