New US envoy to Pakistan savours ‘tikka’ and ‘lassi’

ISLAMABAD - In a rare public appearance by a foreign diplomat posted in Pakistan, the new US envoy to the terror-hit country, Cameron Munter, had ‘tikkas’, ‘halwa-puri’ and ‘lassi’ Sunday at a restaurant in Lahore.

Munter was accompanied by his wife Marilyn and principal officer of the US Consulate in Lahore Carmella Conroy. The staff at the hotel served them various traditional delicacies and the top diplomat enjoyed the food, without hesitating to try anything.

Amid the uproar created by the WikiLeaks revelations and the subsequent trust deficit among the general public owing to the influence of Munter’s predecessor Anne W. Patterson on Pakistani politicians, this is being seen as an attempt to convey a friendly public posture.

Speaking to reporters after the yummy breakfast, Munter said: “WikiLeaks will not be able to dent the relations between both the countries”. “Our bilateral relationship is much deep rooted and will stand the test of time after dust settles down on the latest revelations scandal,” he said.

On a lighter note, he said that Pakistani people were sweet and tasteful, very much like the food of Lahore. “I come from California, which is famous for its spicy cuisine as well,” he said.

Lahore is famous for the traditional cuisine and various kinds of dishes that are a hit with dignitaries.