NEW YORK, May 6: There has been no reaction either favourable or adverse in Europe on the killing of Osama bin-Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad in Pakistan last Sunday. Excepting that British Prime Minister expressed surprise at Pakistan's ignorance of Osama's presence in their country, Europe has maintained a studied silence. Indian government has not given any official reaction. The Middle-Eastern nations have remained mute. Europe has been confused by contradictory US government accounts on the killing. It presented three different accounts on three days in a trot. Europe also did not approve of the wild celebration in the US after the killing. They say it was not only offensive but could spark anti-West sentiments. The United States was also lambasted after it marched its soldiers to Iraq. Unilateralism, arrogance, disrespect for international law, triumphalism and recourse to overwhelming military force has not been viewed favourably, the New York Times in a report said today. Pakistan Army after remaining silent for three days after the killing of Osama came out with sharply worded reaction yesterday saying "it would not tolerate a repeat of the American covert operation that killed Osama and any similar action would lead to reconsideration of the relationship with the United States. Pakistan Army Chief also demanded reduction of US army personnel in Pakistan. Gen. Kayani however did not specify any number. Osama's killing has provoked sharp anti-US sentiments in Pakistan. Gen. Kayani described the US raid as "misadventure". Gen Kayani and ISI director Lt. Gen Shuja Pasha are seething with anger at the American go-it alone action. Salman Bashir, Pakistan's foreign secretary said the US had used a technology that successfully avoided detection by Pakistani radars. Defending the Pakistan army, the fifth largest in the world, Bashir said Washington must abandon the idea that Pakistan was complicit in Osama's hiding and repeating with gusto that the army is neither incompetent nor negligent in its sacred duty to protect Pakistan's territorial integrity. He heaved praises on ISI which he said is proud of its brilliant record. Zafar Hilaly a former senior diplomat said more than 30,000 civilians and 3000 soldiers have killed in fight with the terrorists. Pakistan came to know about the US operation only after a Stealth Helicopter crashed in the site of the operation. Two Stealth helicopters were used in the operation, one of which crashed. The US army immediately destroyed the helicopter lest its technology be known. Pakistan's Army Chief and ISI director were accorded high level dignatory status. They both held talks with Secretary of State and the defence secretary. Such favours will not be given to them in future
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