U.S. postpones meeting with Pakistan and Afghanistan
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The United States has put off a trilateral meeting with Pakistan and Afghanistan slated for Feb. 23-24 in Washington "in light of the political changes in Pakistan, " the U.S. State Department said on Saturday.
"We remain committed to robust engagement between Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States, as we share many issues of mutual concern and benefit from being at the same table," department spokesman Philip Crowley said in a statement.
"We look forward to convening a very productive trilateral meeting at the earliest opportunity," he added.
U.S.-Pakistan ties have been strained over the alleged murder case of a U.S. diplomat. Raymond Davis, an employee of the U.S. consulate in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, shot dead two Pakistanis on Jan. 27, sparking protests in Pakistan and a diplomatic row between the two allies.
The United States has reportedly suspended all high-level talks with Pakistan and several congressmen have threatened suspension of aid if Davis was not freed.
Davis claimed that he acted in self-defense as the two armed men wanted to rob him. A court in Pakistan on Friday sent him to jail on a 14-day judicial remand.
Washington has pressed for Davis' release, saying he enjoys diplomatic immunity.
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