The Foreign Office said in a statement that the US Charge d' Affairs, Richard Hoagland, was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was officially conveyed the government's serious concern.

"This was unacceptable as it amounted to interference in the internal affairs of the country", the Charge d' Affairs was informed.

Mr Hoagland assured that the US Administration had not extended any support to the initiative nor did it subscribe to such views, the statement added.