Davis issue should be resolved as quickly as possible: Grossman

ISLAMABAD: The Raymond Davis issue has been discussed with Pakistani officials in all the meetings and it should be resolved as quickly as possible, US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Marce Grossman, who is visiting Pakistan, said on Monday.He claimed that Davis had full immunity from criminal prosecution under the 1961 Vienna Convention.Separately, Grossman said that the US wanted a democratic, stable and prosperous Pakistan, which is free from the scourge of extremism and violence. He said that the US and Pakistan had a broad-based and mutually beneficial relationship. Talking to senior journalists, Grossman said, “We are pursuing these objectives through strategic dialogue which will benefit both the countries.”He said the US was extending assistance under the historic Kerry Lugar Act and also encouraging the Pakistan government to carry out economic reforms and expand its export markets. Grossman said that the US would stand by Pakistan through all challenges as it stood during the devastating floods last year.He said he had discussed with the Pakistani leadership the ways in which the US was working with the armed forces of Pakistan to defeat the terrorists. He said that the US recognised the great sacrifices of Pakistani people and the armed forces in the war against terrorism. The envoy said that reconciliation was a way forward in Afghanistan and the US government would support the Afghan-led and Afghan owned reintegration and reconciliation efforts.He said Pakistan had great interest in the Afghan issue and needed to be a partner in the solution as it had a crucial role in its solution. Pakistan has legitimate concern that needs to be addressed, Grossman added – Dailytimes