US President Barack Obama has refused to endorse criticism of Pakistan leveled by the former chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Last month, Admiral Mike Mullen accused Pakistan of having close ties with the Haqqani militant group that is affiliated with the Taliban. Mullen said that safe havens for the Haqqani network exist inside Pakistan, and called on the Pakistani government to eliminate the group.
His statement provoked strong criticism from the Pakistani government.
In a radio interview on Friday, Obama said the intelligence that the United States had on the relationship between the Pakistani government and the militant group was not as clear as thought, effectively correcting the United States' position on the issue.
Obama said Mullen was expressing his frustration.
Relations between the United States and Pakistan have deteriorated since the killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in May.
Last month, Admiral Mike Mullen accused Pakistan of having close ties with the Haqqani militant group that is affiliated with the Taliban. Mullen said that safe havens for the Haqqani network exist inside Pakistan, and called on the Pakistani government to eliminate the group.
His statement provoked strong criticism from the Pakistani government.
In a radio interview on Friday, Obama said the intelligence that the United States had on the relationship between the Pakistani government and the militant group was not as clear as thought, effectively correcting the United States' position on the issue.
Obama said Mullen was expressing his frustration.
Relations between the United States and Pakistan have deteriorated since the killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in May.
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