Grossman denies 'backdoor diplomacy' in Pak memo scandal

Washington, Feb 1(ANI): Special US representative for Pakistan-Afghanistan Marc Grossman has denied using any backdoor diplomacy in the Memo Gate scandal.

"In Husain Haqqani's case, whatever Washington did was in all fairness overt and not covert, which involved no backdoor diplomacy," The News quoted Grossman's post, as saying.

"Pakistan is duly rightful in reviewing ties with US in its Parliament," he added.

He also expressed hope that both sides would be able to forge "a wide-ranging active relationship based on mutual interests and respect."

Grossman admitted that Pakistan has a significant role to play in supporting Afghan peace efforts and added that the US has been trying to keep Pakistan updated on its efforts towards Afghan reconciliation and peace.

He also rejected claims that the US is sidelining anyone in the Afghan reconciliation process and stressed that the US was using all of its "contacts in the region" in order to get Afghans talking to Afghans.

" We don't want to ignore anyone in the Afghan peace process, having said that we also want to see Afghan groups holding independent talks," Grossman said.(ANI)