‘Tough talking’ Munter confirmed as new US envoy to Pak

WASHINGTON - Veteran diplomat Dr Cameron Munter has been unanimously approved by the US Senate as the new US ambassador to Pakistan, where he has pledged “ceaseless engagement” to combat the country’s anti-American sentiment.

During his confirmation process, Munter said that the US needed to do a better job explaining its motives, and forging a long-term partnership with Pakistan against extremists, The News reported.

The 56-year-old diplomat has a rich experience of working in countries in transition, including his assignments in Prague, Belgrade and Warsaw. He also led the provincial reconstruction team in Mosul (Iraq) in 2006. In his most recent posting, as a military adviser to the US ambassador in Iraq, he directed strategic planning and US civil-military coordination.

Senator John Kerry, the chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, praised the outgoing ambassador- Anne Patterson- who had held the post since 2007, and stated that the country could not afford a delay in confirming Munter as its new envoy to Pakistan.

“Given the importance of our relationship with Pakistan and the many issues we are trying to tackle together to bring prosperity and stability to the region, we could not afford a delay in confirming our next ambassador,” said Kerry

The Massachusetts Democrat vowed the US “will continue to stand with the people of Pakistan” as they cope with the aftermath of devastating floods, which he called the country’s “worst natural disaster in modern history.” (ANI)