United States Ambassador to Islamabad Richard Olson on Tuesday said he supported Pakistan’s initiative of holding dialogue with elements spreading unrest in the country to bring lasting peace in the region.
Talking to a private TV channel, Olson said, “All major conflicts in the world are ultimately settled on the negotiating table,” the US envoy said.
He said Pakistan had a choice to have peace talks with the local Taliban.
Olson also praised Pakistan for its role in promoting peace and the reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
To a question, he said the US had full confidence in Pakistan’s nuclear command and control system.
The interview which aired on September 30, Olson said “discussion of civilian nuclear cooperation is a topic best left in the discreet diplomatic sphere”.
Media outlets have widely misreported that Olson suggested the United States was considering providing civilian nuclear technology to Pakistan. The US ambassador noted that discussions were best left to the diplomatic sphere.
“The United States looks forward to continuing cooperation with Pakistan in ways that are compatible with Pakistan’s economic, environmental, and security needs and with US international commitments and policies,” he said.