WASHINGTON, Nov 27: The Obama administration has said that a recent deal with Iran does not change the US position on the pipeline project, which can still invoke severe sanctions.
“Has not changed,” said US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki when asked if the deal with Iran had also changed Washington’s position on the project.
“Just as a reminder, there is very limited reversible relief that’s a part of the first step. That does not impact the core sanctions regime, so our position on that has not changed,” she added.
At a State Department briefing, Ms Psaki also criticised Pakistan’s decision to bring murder charges against Dr Shakil Afridi who helped the CIA catch Osama bin Laden.
“We are of course concerned about the new charge brought late last week against Dr Afridi,” she said. “His assistance in confirming the location of bin Ladin was a service to the entire world and to Pakistanis who had lost loved ones and suffered at the hands of Al Qaeda.”
The US official “called on proper authorities to ensure that Dr Afridi receives a fair trial for this new charge”.
Ms Psaki said the US had long expressed its belief that his treatment was both unjust and unwarranted.
“We’re concerned about his health and well-being. We’ve encouraged the Pakistani government to protect him and his family. Obviously, he not only remains in jail, but he’s been charged with a new crime, so I will let you answer that question for yourself.”