Pakistan’s ex-ambo says he was unaware of US Osama raid

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Dec 22, IRNA -- Pakistan’s former ambassador to United States, Hussain Haqqani has dispelled impression that he was aware of American military raid to kill Osama bin Laden.

Pakistani-American businessman Mansoor Ijaz had claimed that Haqqani had prior information about the May 2nd US raid in Abbotabad.

“I was at the Heathrow Airport when I heard about the US raid in Abbottababd,” local TV channels quoted Haqqani as telling the Commission, investigating the US raid and presence of the world’s most wanted man in Pakistan.

According to Haqqani he was given directions to return to Washington DC immediately and asked to protest against the violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.

“I faithfully and sincerely carried out the directives,” Haqqani said.

Haqqani also said that the operation was in violation of the international laws and that he met the US special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan in this regard.

In his statement Haqqani also said that he protested against the report prepared by the US officials and the Congress.

Speaking further, Haqqani also informed the commission about the attitude of the US following the raid.

Haqqani said that he had informed Islamabad about the threatening behaviour of the US and their intentions of not apologizing.

The former ambassador added that the US demanded access to the family of Osama bin Laden and also demanded that the debris from the helicopter which crashed should be returned.

About reports that Haqqani has issued hundreds of visas to the US nationals including American spies, he said that he never issued any visas without permission.

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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30725445