Diplomat: US, Pakistan put controversial Mullen remark behind them

U.S. and Pakistani officials have agreed to put behind them a pointed remark about the latter’s alleged support for the extremist Haqqani Network, says a key diplomat.

Then-U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen in late September triggered a global ripple when he told the Senate Armed Services Committee the Haqqani Network is a “veritable arm” of Pakistan’s intelligence agency.

The Pakistani diplomat was asked whether Mullen’s candid remark has further strained the tense relationship between the two reluctant allies during a breakfast meeting sponsored by The Christian Science Monitor.

“We are beyond that,” Haqqani said.

The ambassador told reporters he would let Mullen, whom he praised as one of the best Joint Chiefs chairmen ever, explain what he meant “in his memiors.”

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