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Friday, September 19, 2008
Terms incursions unproductive
By Mariana Baabar
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has received no iron-clad guarantees from the United States that it would cease violations of its air space, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmud Qureshi said on Thursday. He also said Pakistan had not been forewarned each time violation of its air space took place.
He, however, told a news conference at the Foreign Office: “As far as the sovereignty is concerned, there is a responsibility on Pakistan as well to ensure that there is no incident of violation of someone else’s (Afghanistan’s) sovereignty.”
As far as Admiral Mullen’s statement which he made on Wednesday regarding Pakistan’s sovereignty, Qureshi said: “I have to respect it. But later when there is another attack (the same day), it appears there is an institutional disconnect (within the US). They will have to sort it out.”
He said when he visits Washington for the strategic dialogue, he would formally give his honest assessment.
Despite dozens of questions regarding the “helplessness” that the government faced over the increasing and “insolent” bombardment of its land and people, Qureshi failed to satisfy the media and resisted admitting that there was “nothing” that Pakistan could do in the face of this unjustified onslaught except keep the diplomatic channels open.
“This is not a question of helplessness. We are allies and cooperating with the US. They (militants and terrorists) are not confined to Afghanistan alone. Their actions are moving from our tribal areas to our settled areas, into Islamabad and Lahore. We do not subscribe to their interpretation of Islam. They have damaged Islam. There are serious threat perspectives inside mainland US from these Taliban and al-Qaeda. We have to address these concerns. Also we feel that fighting with the military is not enough as we have to have a multi-pronged strategy to wean (the saner elements) from these extremists,” the minister explained.
However, to a query on what the rules of engagement with the US were, whether these were verbal or in writing and whether they would be made public, the minister replied: “This is a big concern for all of us. We will see whether these rules of engagement can be reviewed or not. My understanding is that no foreign troops are allowed to operate inside Pakistan and if any action is taken across the border, then it is for the Isaf and Nato troops to do so.” When asked what options Pakistan had to stop the US from violating the Pakistani soil and air space and whether the countless meetings with the US leadership had proven that even diplomacy had failed, the minister responded: “Diplomacy never fails. We keep trying. To give up is no solution and we stand behind the statement that the COAS made on the issue.”
Recalling the meeting between Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Adm Mullen in which he was also present, Qureshi said Mullen was informed about the sentiments of the people here and clearly told that Pakistan was cooperating.
“Some of the basic facts are that there should be respect for sovereignty, Pakistan should also respect the sovereignty of Afghanistan and that these incursions are worsening and becoming unproductive. This is a long haul and we have to see a long-term strategy,” he added.
The minister was almost apologetic for the US when he talked about the “internal compulsions” of the US which have to be understood. “Regarding these incidents, this is the US election year. Some statements put forward are not good for long-term relations. We are not doubtful of their statements. But we also have to see that given the conditions what options do we have, do we want to increase friends or enemies? We have to put emotions aside but also protect our sovereignty while understanding the given position,” he said.
President Asif Ali Zardari, he said, would be visiting New York from Sept 22-26 to lead Pakistan’s delegation to the UN General Assembly session.
“It will be a functional and businesslike small delegation keeping with the government’s austerity measures. Dates are being worked out for important meetings with President George Bush, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Hamid Karzai among others.”
The minister dispelled impressions that relations between Pakistan and India had deteriorated.
“Out team is visiting New Delhi to discuss the Kashmir-related issues as part of a trade agreement and some of the issues which erupted during the economic blockade (in held Kashmir). We are also keen to send a trade delegation from Azad Kashmir to Srinagar to discuss trade items. A meeting between the two sides in New York is required to continue the peace process as both sides have to keep moving. Yes, there will be differences and hiccups but we should have productive meetings,” he said while replying to a query.
Pakistan’s high commissioner in New Delhi has met with the Indian foreign secretary who had assured that New Delhi would take up concerns expressed by Islamabad and it would be addressed through the Indus Waters Treaty.
To queries as to why the government was a silent spectator to banned militant outfits operating openly in Karachi, the minister said the government had no sympathy for them as they had not helped Pakistan’s cause in any manner. “They have to be curbed and the government has taken some firm steps,” he said.
When asked to explain what President Zardari meant by “good news” on Kashmir, the minister said the government felt it was necessary to have a unanimous view on the resolution of the Kashmir issue.
“Kashmir is also part of the composite dialogue and the president has contacted several political leaders to form a Kashmir caucus which will be apart from the National Assembly Committee on Kashmir. All political parties will be represented. In my meetings with the Indian leadership, I have also maintained that some issues that need to be addressed are Sir Creek, Siachen Glacier, trade and people-to-people contact. We have to review and inform the caucus about the recent changes in Kashmir,” he said. The minister said dates were being worked out for the president’s visit to China.
Agencies add: Responding to the recent blasts in India, the foreign minister said these blasts had nothing to do with Kashmir, adding the movement in Kashmir was indigenous. He said the government had always taken the Army into confidence before making any policy for the greater national interest. He said Army was an asset of Pakistan. He said there was unanimity between the government and the Army’s stance.
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