Amidst the raging ‘memogate’ controversy in the country, the US hopes that Pakistani leaders will act in accordance with the country’s constitution. “We always expect that Pakistan’s leaders will act in accordance with Pakistan’s constitution and in a manner respectful of its democratic institutions,” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters at a news conference. Nuland was responding to questions about the controversial memo which according to a Pakistani-American businessman, Mansoor Ijaz, was drafted by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari. The memo was delivered to Admiral Mike Mullen, the then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, by former US national security adviser James Jones.
Haqqani has refuted his role in the drafting or delivery of such a memo, which expresses concern about an imminent military coup in Pakistan in the aftermath of the killing of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad. Haqqani has since tendered his resignation, which has not been accepted. Haqqani is currently in Pakistan to explain his side of the story to the top leadership. Nuland, however, refrained from making any comment on this issue. “Our understanding is that Ambassador Haqqani is home on consultation. So I would refer you to the Pakistani government with regard to his consultations and what he is specifically up to. You know, so beyond that, I don’t have any specific comments on this issue,” she said.
