http://eznewsht.blogspot.com/2011/01/kandahar-deputy-governor-killed.html

ISLAMABAD (AP) — The United States demanded the immediate release of an American arrested in the shooting deaths of two Pakistanis, saying Saturday that he is a diplomat who qualifies for immunity from prosecution and was illegally detained.

The statement from the embassy raised the stakes in what could emerge as a major dispute between Pakistan and the United States. It also showed the shaky nature of ties between the two nations, a relationship Washington believes is crucial for success in Afghanistan and against al-Qaida.

Pakistani officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but prosecutors said Friday they would pursue murder charges.

The killings in Lahore on Thursday added to already strong anti-U.S. sentiment in Pakistan. Islamist and nationalist commentators have portrayed the incident as an example of American brutality and called on the government — often criticized for being to beholden to Washington — to punish the man.Read Article