WASHINGTON, May 23: The United States on Friday announced the appointment of a top commander to head its military office in Islamabad, recognising Pakistan’s objection to an earlier appointment of a controversial general but seems still reluctant to accept Pakistan’s strategy of seeking a negotiated settlement to militancy in the tribal belt.

Rear Admiral Michael Lefever is appointed in place of Maj-Gen Jay Hood, a former commander of the US prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Gen Hood’s tenure at Guantanamo was marred by a series of scandals and controversies, especially the alleged desecration of holy books.

Washington hopes that the gesture will be recognised in Pakistan as a sign of US willingness to accommodate Muslim sentiments on religious issues.