Downplaying the widely reported telephonic conversation between US President-elect Donald Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, an influential American Congressman Adam Kinzinger has said that Trump is unlikely to push back against Pakistan after he takes office.
Adam Kinzinger, a veteran in Iraq and Afghanistan wars, told CNN that the statement issued by Pakistan should not be seen as an indicator of how Donald Trump will be when he comes to being the President of the United States on issues like Washington’s relationship with Islamabad.
"I don't think anybody should have any doubt that Donald Trump will push back against Pakistan. He's been very clear about that," Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger said.
"In this case, you have a statement from a transcript that maybe was or wasn't said that I don't think necessarily shows how Donald Trump will be when he comes to being the President of the United States on these very important issues," he added.
According to the Pakistan PMO, Mr Trump called Mr Sharif "a terrific guy" and said he is ready and "willing to play any role that you (Sharif) might want me to play".
"Trump has been criticised by many foreign policy analysts in the US. I think it's a little over the line to tell somebody. I will play whatever role you want me to play.
"Obviously, as the United States, we're proud of the fact that we're the leader of the free world. We're proud of these alliances we have, but we're also in the driver's seat in most of these alliances," Mr Kinzinger said.
"We need to be because of our values and systems. So, I think if that actually was said, and again, I don't have anything besides what I have just seen reported. If that was actually said, it was probably a bridge too far," he said.
He also stressed that Donald Trump is really new at this. "And I think as you kind of get your sea legs under you, as you learn about diplomacy and everything, maybe that changes. Maybe that tone changes," Mr Kinzinger said in response to a question.
(With PTI inputs)
