News
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Pak-Afghan stability interlinked: Gilani
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Monday emphasised that it is extremely important to have a blue print for the future of Afghanistan that would ensure its territorial integrity.
A strategy to resolve the Afghan crisis should be such that it does not destabilise Pakistan side of the border, he said, adding, stability in Afghanistan means Pakistan’s political and economic stability. The prime minister was talking to Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who called on him at the PM Secretariat on Monday afternoon.
The Polish foreign minister is in Pakistan for a bilateral visit as well as the representative of the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Lady Catherine Ashton. Sikorski is familiar with Pakistan and Afghanistan from the days of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, when he had covered the war as a journalist embedded with the mujahideen. The prime minister said that it was in Pakistan’s own interest to root out terrorism and not to please others.
“We have the resolve and the will to fight terrorism. However, the people of Pakistan are disappointed that their sacrifices, both in human and economic terms did not get due recognition and support from the international community,” he added. The prime minister further stated that terrorism is a global phenomenon, which can be countered effectively through cooperation of international community. Pakistan’s role, he mentioned, can be more effective if the international partners in this war fulfil their commitments for economic support as well as helping to improve the capabilities and capacity of its security forces.
The Prime Minister also elaborated that Pakistan and the United States have enjoyed good defence and intelligence cooperation. Pakistan has shared intelligence to help trace high valued targets, he said, adding, but when time came to share the victory, Pakistan received only the blame.
This has damaged the trust that would need to be bridged through sincere efforts and understanding of each others’ expectations, he remarked.
The prime minister said that Pakistan is keenly looking forward to the next Pakistan-EU Summit that could be held in Islamabad, which he opined, would greatly facilitate in developing closer linkages with the European Union.
He hoped that Poland would support Pakistan to attain GSP Plus (Generalised System of Preferences Plus) status and facilitation of market access for Pakistan’s exports to EU.
While elaborating upon the efforts to further improve respect for human rights, the prime minister said that the government has created a special Ministry on Human Rights to specifically focus on all the relevant matters.
The impression in the West that women and minorities are being targeted needs to be dispelled, he said and added terrorists and extremists do not make any distinction when they attack soft targets like girls’ schools, mosques and shrines. This only shows that they are on the run now, he remarked.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s desire to maintain close friendly relations with all its neighbours. The recent foreign ministers level talks with India were positive, he said, adding, both sides recognised the importance of the dialogue process for peace and stability in the region.
As regards bilateral relations with Poland, the prime minister emphasised upon more high level visits and people to people contacts to build meaningful ties between the two countries.
The Polish foreign minister, who was accompanied by the ambassador for the European Union and the Polish ambassador, assured Pakistan of his country’s support as well as of the EU during Polish Presidency.
The Polish foreign minister said that his country recognises that economic development was extremely important for Pakistan. Poland will support Pakistan’s quest for GSP Plus leading up to a five year agreement, he added.
He said Pakistan is an essential ally, adding, Poland feels the pain that Pakistan faces in struggle against terrorism. The European Union and Poland shall continue to assist Pakistan in this campaign, he added. The foreign minister of Poland said that it is heartening to note that Pakistan has decided to lift reservations for ratification to Human Rights Convention. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk