Pakistan's U.S. ambassador optimistic

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Pakistani ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani, a former Boston University professor, says he's optimistic relations can be improved.

Haggani, in an interview with the Boston Globe, said he's caught between his job of forging stronger ties with Washington and facing critics at home who view the United States with anger and suspicion.

"I'm the man in the middle," Haqqani said, telling the newspaper he is frequently criticized in Pakistan for being too close to the United States.

"It will take a while before the average Pakistani starts trusting the Americans."

Nevertheless, Haggani, who took over as ambassador in May, said he's optimistic the government of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari will be able to improve U.S. relations, as well as clean up corruption, defeat a Taliban insurgency and survive a major financial crisis.

Last week Haggani was trying to persuade the United States to fast-track about $1 billion owed to Pakistan for its military efforts against the Taliban, covering the period from April to October. But, the Globe reported, the payments have been held up by new Pentagon rules meant to improve accountability.