News
Saturday, August 17, 2013
All channels open for dialogue with India: FOISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday said all channels were open for dialogue with India to improve the relations and resolve all outstanding issues to ensure peace and development in the region.
Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry in his weekly briefing here said Prime Ministers of the two countries were expected to meet in New York next month on the sidelines of the General Assembly session of the United Nations. The dates for the meeting between the two prime ministers are being finalised through diplomatic channels, he added.
He said Pakistan had expressed its concern on the violation of Line of Control in Kashmir and conveyed its resentment to the Indian government.
Replying to a question about anticipated meeting between the two prime ministers in New York, despite tension across Line of Control between Pakistan and India, the spokesman said Pakistan wanted to pursue the policy of restraint, responsibility and dialogue with India.
He said in this context, Pakistan was highlighting the anticipated meeting with two prime ministers in New York as it was one such occasion where all the issues and concerns could be discussed between the two countries.
The spokesman said this type of meeting and opportunity could also be helpful in reducing the tension between the two countries adding that Pakistan needs peace through meaningful dialogue process to ensure development in the region.
Referring to the recent visit of Secretary General United Nations Ban Ki-Moon to Pakistan, he said it was very useful and productive visit that had increased Pakistan’s status in the international community.
He said UN Secretary General had also supported Pakistan’s viewpoint over drone attacks adding that Pakistan still considered these drone attacks as violation of its sovereignty, integrity and counter productive besides violation of international rules.
Replying to a question about Pakistan’s support to change the office of Taliban for negotiations from Qatar to Turkey or Saudi Arabia, the spokesman said Pakistan had been extending its support to any Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and would continue it in future also.
Commenting on the statement of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the spokesman without directly responding to the statement said Pakistan has always clarified that its soil would not be used by any terrorist against any country.
He said law enforcing agencies were vigilant in this regard and fully determined to check the activities of the terrorists.
Replying to a question, he said Afghan President Hamid Karzai would visit Pakistan in the last week of this month to discuss various bilateral issues including economic and trade, refugees, post 2014 situation in Afghanistan and the regional situation.
The spokesman said Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and Security Sartaj Aziz will represent Pakistan in the next meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization which is primarily security organisation. He said Pakistan had observer status in this organisation but always gave special consideration to SCO and participated actively in its meetings. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk