February 5, 2003	Wednesday	Zul Hijjah 3,1423

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NEW YORK, Feb 4: The District Attorney’s office in New York has dropped investigation against Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Munir Akram on assault charges, reliable sources here said.

The sources said that the DA’s office informed lawyers for Mr Akram on Friday that they had decided not to pursue the case.

The US mission at the United Nations which was asked to request US state department to withdraw Ambassador Akram’s diplomatic immunity, was also informed of the decision by the district attorney’s office.

The prosecutors wanted to investigate Akram on assault charges made in a telephone call by a woman friend, Marijana Mihic, 35, who has since recanted on her story.

No one at the district attorney’s office was available for comments.

Earlier, a spokesperson told Dawn that the case is “under review,” acknowledging that talks between lawyers and the office were ongoing but refused further comment. “We have nothing to say,” she said.

Ambassador Akram said in a statement after being informed of the development by his lawyers: “As a result of an unfortunate misunderstanding, I had to endure an excruciating period of personal anguish and public embarrassment. I am grateful to Almighty Allah and to the prayers and support of my friends and family that this matter has been settled on the basis of facts and the principle of fairness.”