US won't dictate over judges issue: Kramer
By Our Diplomatic Correspondent

ISLAMABAD—US deputy secretary of state David J Kramer has said US supports free media, independence of judiciary and reinstatement of judges. “US is in favor of independent judiciary and restoration of judges. During my recent visit, issue of reinstatement of judges was discussed at length with the new leadership. It is internal matter of Pakistan, therefore, all the steps with regard to restoration of judges are left to new leadership”, he said this while giving briefing to the journalists on the eve of his first visit to Pakistan after assumption of his new office.
US is eager to establish robust relations with Pakistan at economic, commercial, social and diplomatic level, he said adding “we want judiciary should be independent so that it could administer justice to people fully. The recently held elections in Pakistan serve as example for establishment of democratic order in the country. Free media has played vital role in this regard, he added. The curbs imposed on media in the past were not only breach of freedom of expression but also they led to suppression of human rights.
The judicial system should be coherent and independent so that people could seek access to justice, he stressed. About the fate of president Pervez Musharraf US deputy secretary of state said it would be decided by Pakistani nation and parliament. About anti US sentiments in Pakistan he said “ we understand it well that our relations with Pakistan are multifaceted and multidimensional. We are extending full assistance for economic development of Pakistan. We are happy over revival of democracy and we want peace and stability prevails in Pakistan.
Assassination of Benazir Bhutto affected electoral process in Pakistan and gave rise to a negative impression, he said adding Pakistan however achieved the goal democracy as a result of this sacrifice. The future of US, Pakistan friendship was bright, he held. Washington is supportive of democracy and will continue to work with the house and new government , he added. Responding to a question about missing persons he said this matter was very sensitive and was blatant violation of human rights. “I stressed for early resolution of this issue during my meeting with the government”, he remarked.
A United States envoy said Tuesday Washington will not dictate to the new Pakistani government on the restoration of judges sacked by President Pervez Musharraf. Musharraf deposed the country’s chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and dozens of other judges under a state of emergency in November when it appeared the Supreme Court was about to overturn his re-election as president.
The new coalition government, which took over in February and pledged to restore the judges, is currently trying to iron out differences on the reinstatement of the judges. If the chief justice is restored he could take up fresh challenges to Musharraf’s position. The issue has become divisive because it could lead to a direct stand-off with Musharraf, risking further instability in the militancy-hit, nuclear-armed nation.