US says Gilani's conviction on contempt charges is Pak's internal matter

Birmingham Star (ANI) Wednesday 8th February, 2012

The U.S. State Department's Acting deputy spokesman Mark Toner has said that the Pakistan Supreme Court's decision to possibly convict Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on February 13 is their internal matter.

"I mean, look, of course, we're following closely events in Pakistan. We're the State Department. No. But just to be clear, as I think we've said all along, these are internal political processes. Specifically, you're talking about the current court case. This case is not new. And what we've said all along is that we expect Pakistan to resolve any of its internal issues in a way that's consistent with Pakistani laws and its constitution," he said.

On being asked if these things would limit the US' ability to resolve the strained bilateral ties, Tonner denied it saying both countries are in close consultation with each other.

"We remain in very close consultation through our ambassador in Islamabad, Cameron Munter, and his counterparts on the ground in Islamabad, but at a variety of levels with the Pakistani Government," Tonner said.

"So, I think, where we are with the broader bilateral relationship is exactly what you said, which is that we understand there's this parliamentary review underway. Once that's completed, we can sit down with Pakistan and try to address some of these issues," he added. (ANI)