The News International: US refuses to respond to PM’s criticism of EU envoys

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WASHINGTON: Days after Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement against the European Union envoys based in Islamabad, the White House on Friday refused to give a clear response on the matter.

PM Imran Khan’s remarks had triggered a controversy with many slamming the premier for his public outburst against the EU nations and putting Pakistan’s relations with the West at risk.

© Thomson Reuters FILE – White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki holds a press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., March 18, 2022. REUTERS/Al DragoThe PM had lashed out at the EU nations after the envoys urged Pakistan to join the world in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. During a briefing at White House, the spokesperson was asked to comment on the Pakistani premier’s recent statement after his Russia visit that “he will not be a slave of America like other politicians do”, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said: “We have a long relationship with Pakistan, and that is a relationship we’ll continue through diplomatic channels. So I don’t have any more comments on that.”

To another question about the phone call between Pakistani PM and US President Joe Biden which is also a matter of contention between the two governments, Psaki said, “I don’t have any update on a planned call or engagement.”

“Obviously, we engage with Pakistan and a range of leaders at a number of levels through the State Department, through our national security team. But in terms of a call or engagement with the President, I don’t have anything to predict on that front,” she stated.

US refuses to respond to PM’s criticism of EU envoys (msn.com)