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Pakistani Court Delays Decision on CIA Contractor


Asad Manzoor Butt (C) and Numan Attique (R), lawyers for the families of the two men killed by U.S. contractor Raymond Davis, walk together with the victim's brother, Imran Haider (L), after attending Davis' hearing in Lahore, March 8, 2011
Asad Manzoor Butt (C) and Numan Attique (R), lawyers for the families of the two men killed by U.S. contractor Raymond Davis, walk together with the victim's brother, Imran Haider (L), after attending Davis' hearing in Lahore, March 8, 2011

An American contractor accused of murdering two Pakistanis will have to wait until next week to find out if he will be charged with a crime.

A Pakistani court adjourned Tuesday without making a decision on the fate of 36-year-old Raymond Davis.

Pakistani officials accuse Davis of shooting and killing two men in the eastern city of Lahore on January 27 while he was working as a contractor for the CIA.

U.S. officials say Davis should be given diplomatic immunity. They also argue Davis acted in self-defense during what they describe as an attempted robbery.

The Lahore High Court has scheduled a hearing for March 14 to determine whether Davis does qualify for immunity and should be released.

Lawyers for the families of the dead Pakistanis said Tuesday they expect Davis will be indicted for the double murder at another hearing scheduled for March 16.

The case has inflamed tensions between the CIA and Pakistan's military spy service, the ISI.

Pakistani officials have also demanded the CIA release the names of all its agents operating in Pakistan, saying Davis was working in the country without their knowledge.

On Monday, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari met with the new U.S. special representative to Pakistan and Afghanistan, Marc Grossman.

In a statement released after the meeting, Zardari urged both countries to remain focused on long-term strategic ties.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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