ISLAMABAD/LAHORE – The United States on Monday again pressed Pakistan to release Raymond Davis, the American citizen arrested in Lahore last month for killing two Pakistanis, saying Islamabad’s refusal to set him free was a sheer violation of international laws.
US Ambassador Cameron Munter called on President Asif Ali Zardari and reiterated his country’s demand for the release of Davis, who has been declared as a diplomat by Washington and hence entitled to criminal immunity.
“Munter told President Zardari that Davis acted in self-defence when he shot the two men dead on January 27 and he must be released because he has diplomatic immunity,” said an official privy to the meeting.
He said Munter conveyed the highest degree of resentment in Washington over Davis’ issue to President Zardari, saying the delay in the release of American national had a very negative impact on the bilateral ties. He, however, said the president once again reiterated Pakistan’s position on the contentious issue, saying the matter was now in a court and the government would respect its verdict.
President Zardari, he said, also told the American envoy that the suicide by Shumaila Kanwal, widow of one of the men shot dead by Davis, had generated deep resentment among the masses. According to US embassy spokesperson Courtney Beale, Munter told Zardari that Pakistan must comply with its obligations under the international law and immediately release the American diplomat illegally detained in Lahore.
Meanwhile in Lahore, US Consul General Carmela Conroy said American officials knew that the Punjab government could not provide immunity to Davis, adding that they were in contact with the federal government over the issue.
Security in and around Kot Lakhpat District Jail was tightened amidst reports that Davis would likely be shifted there after the end of his remand.
