The United States on Thursday alleged that hundreds of visa applications for its officials and contractors are pending before the Pakistani authorities, which it said would have "serious implications" on its civilian aid projects and counter-terrorism measures there.
Expressing concern over the release of A Q Khan from house arrest, the United States told Pakistan that the disgraced nuclear scientist continues to be a "serious threat" to proliferation of nuclear weapons technology. US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke, who is currently on a visit to Islamabad, certainly raised the issue pertaining to A Q Khan, State Department spokesperson Robert Wood said on Wednesday.
Terming as a 'very positive step' the response by Pakistan to the Mumbai attack evidence dossier provided by India, the United States on Thursday said it shows that Islamabad is serious in bringing the perpetrators of the terror strikes to justice. "We have asked Pakistan, and India has asked Pakistan, to cooperate fully in trying to bring to justice those who are responsible for the Mumbai attacks. So this would certainly be a very positive step," said a spokesperson.
Describing Iran as an 'important regional player', the new Obama administration has said it has 'a great deal of respect' for the country and is looking for the 'most appropriate framework' for engaging Tehran over its controversial nuclear programme.