Updated at: 0749 PST, Saturday, December 05, 2009
WASHINGTON: US SECRETARY of State Hillary Clinton on Friday played down Pakistani criticism of a new military plan, saying Washington was making small progress winning over a skeptical nation. Pakistan has asked for clarity on President Barack Obama's new strategy for Afghanistan. Pakistani media were scathing, warning that Obama's draw-down date for US troops in the neighbouring country would threaten regional security. Clinton said she was not surprised by the Pakistani reaction as on her visit to Pakistan a month ago she noticed 'just a reflex of scepticism and anxiety about American intentions'. But 'in the personal conversations I've had with Pakistani leaders in the last couple of days, there's a sigh of relief', Clinton told media on US public television conducted in Brussels. 'There's a feeling that, okay, so the United States is committed not only to Afghanistan and the fight against the Afghan Taleban, but you're committed to this partnership' with Pakistan, she said. 'I think we're making a little progress. I actually thought the press accounts were better than I would have anticipated,' she said with a laugh.
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