The US State Department said that it would ‘welcome’ any country pressing Iran to curb its “malign and destabilizing activities,” especially attacks on ships in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthis.
At a press briefing on Thursday, State Department Principal Deputy Spokesman Vedant Patel responded to questions about Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian’s upcoming visit to Pakistan and what message Washington wanted Islamabad to give him.
“Should any country around the world be interested in continuing to call on Iran to cease its malign and destabilizing activities, its activities that particularly in the Red Sea are making international waterways and legitimate commerce unsafe, we’d welcome any country continuing to press Iran to curb its support for those kinds of actions”, said Patel.
Patel stated that the decision lies with Pakistani authorities.
Iran’s foreign minister will visit Islamabad this week, signaling efforts to mend relations after the neighbours exchanged missile strikes last week at what they said were militant targets.
Ambassadors of both countries have also been asked to return to their posts by Jan. 26, the Pakistani foreign ministry said in a statement. Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed that Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian would visit on Monday, and said its ambassador would resume duties in Islamabad.
The State Department deputy apokesperson also voiced apprehension over reports indicating restrictions on freedom of expression and freedom of association in Pakistan. Mr Patel emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.
“We are concerned by any reports of restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the press. These actions contradict the self-stated goal of the Pakistani authorities for a fully fair and transparent election,” stated Mr Patel in response to a question.
Highlighting the U.S. commitment to democratic processes, Patel added, “Pakistan’s future leadership is for the Pakistani people to design. Our interest continues to be in the democratic process.”
Emphasizing the role of a free and independent media, Patel asserted, “We feel very strongly that a free and independent media are vital institutions that undergird healthy democracies. Journalists play a critical role in covering fair and transparent elections, ensuring informed decisions and holding the government accountable.”
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