ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani official says Islamabad and Washington can amicably resolve a dispute over the fate of a former US Special Forces soldier held in shooting deaths of two Pakistanis.

US officials have warned they may cut off aid to Pakistan and curb contacts unless the American is released.

Farahnaz Ispahani, an aide to Pakistan's president, says the countries are strategic partners who can work things out.

The Americans say the detained man has diplomatic immunity and shot the Pakistanis in self-defense. Pakistani officials say the courts must decide the question of immunity.

Pentagon records show that the man, Raymond Davis, is a former army Special Forces soldier. Public records show Davis and his wife run a Nevada-registered company called Hyperion Protective Services. – AP