ISLAMABAD – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton telephoned Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Sunday reiterating the demand for the release of Raymond Davis, an American citizen arrested in Lahore last month for killing two Pakistanis.
“The US secretary of state once again claimed in her telephonic conversation with the prime minister that Davis is a member of the diplomatic staff of the US embassy in the Pakistani capital and he is entitled to immunity,” an official said. He quoted Clinton as saying her country was looking towards expanding ties with Pakistan in various sectors, adding that the Obama administration expected of a friendly state to understand its position on the issue of the US diplomat.
According to the official she also hoped for a favorable outcome to the contentious issue. However, he said the prime minister told the US secretary of state that the Davis issue was now in the court of law and the US administration would have to wait for the court’s verdict. “Prime Minister Gilani told Clinton that the Pakistani government respected the courts and it will abide by the judiciary’s decision in the Davis case,” he said.
He said Gilani expressed hope that the issue of one individual would not impact the friendly ties between Islamabad and Washington. Davis talks to family over telephone: Accused American Raymond Davis on Sunday talked to his family over telephone and informed them about his status. Per details, US Consulate official Carmella Conroy held a meeting with Davis at Kot Lakhpat Jail for more than two hours.
It has been learnt that after the meeting, the US consulate demanded the removal of security camera installed in the barrack where Davis is detained. Jail officials have already barred the use of loudspeaker for Azaan, as it had disturbed Davis’ sleep.
