"We want to get back to normal and get into a full counter-terrorism relationship again. We think that's important not only for US security, but for Pakistani security and for the security of the entire region. So those conversations will continue," US State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told the media on Tuesday.
The US continues to talk to the Pakistani government at all levels, she said, adding that its ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter has been back in touch with the Pakistanis after the New Year holidays.
Earlier on Tuesday, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little had expressed hope that the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation supply route would be reopened by Pakistan soon; talks for which are going on right now. "As of now, the supplies are being airlifted," he said.
Responding to questions, Nuland said the US has its reservations on the gas pipeline between Iran and Pakistan, which was meant to be extended to India. "We've made absolutely clear over many months now our concern about this deal and we will continue to talk to Pakistan about it. You know, were it to go forward, how it might be impacted -- again, this is the kind of conversation that we have to have with Pakistan and that we're starting to have now," Nuland said.
The US State Department spokesperson said the judicial inquiry into the memo gate scandal is an internal matter of Pakistan; but it wants the issue to be resolved under the constitution. "We've said regularly with regard to this case, with regard to other judicial proceedings in Pakistan that we want to see judicial proceedings go forward in accordance with the Pakistani constitution, including the protections on citizens' rights, and in accordance with international law," she said.
