News
Friday, February 10, 2012
Parliamentary process to re-evaluate US ties underway: FO* Spokesman says Pakistan wants peaceful resolution of Iranian nuclear issue
* Says Pakistan hosts summit involving Afghanistan, Iran next week
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Thursday said that parliamentary process on reevaluation of relations with US was underway and “we should wait for the completion of the process”.
Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit was responding to a question on the issue of resumption of NATO supplies for Afghanistan in his weekly press briefing.
On Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, the spokesman said that Pakistan was committed to complete the project by 2014 as per schedule.
He said that there was no change in this project, adding that President Asif Ali Zardari also said that Pakistan was looking forward to complete the project to meet energy needs of Pakistan.
The spokesman said trilateral summit between Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan would be held next week in Islamabad to discuss regional situation, promote cooperation in war against terror and drug trafficking.
The spokesman said Pakistan wants a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through negotiations, adding that a volatile region cannot afford any further conflict.
Replying to a question, the spokesman said Pakistan had been kept informed by the American diplomats regarding the contacts between America and Taliban in Qatar. He, however, said only Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process would succeed.
As for drone attacks, our position is clear, he said, adding that these attacks are unlawful and unacceptable.
Pakistan has been pursuing very effective diplomacy and continues to be very active on the diplomatic front in the last couple of days.
Giving details in this regard, the spokesman said Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani paid a very successful official visit to Qatar from February 6 to 8.
He said that Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar paid an official visit to Moscow on February 7 to 9.
The foreign minister's in-depth talks with her Russian counterpart, and her meetings at the State Duma reinforce mutual desire of the two countries to strengthen bilateral ties in all spheres for mutual benefit, he said.
The spokesman said, “We are looking forward to welcoming the president of Russia in Pakistan for a Quadrilateral Summit being held here during the second half of this year.”
To yet another query regarding Pakistan votes for Syria, he said Pakistan follows the principle of non-intervention and non-interference in internal affairs of states. This has been our position regarding Syria as well.
The spokesman said that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa would arrive in Islamabad on Friday for a two-day state visit where he would be given a very warm welcome.
Pakistan-Sri Lanka enjoy excellent relations and these relations will continue to strengthen in the years to come, he said. The spokesman said on February 1, the WTO Council for Trade in Goods approved the EU trade package for Pakistan. “We appreciate the entire WTO membership for this and particularly thankful to EU member states for their commitment to help Pakistan through greater market access,” he said. staff report/app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk