News
Friday, October 01, 2010
Violation of sovereignty unacceptable, US told* Zardari, Gilani tell Panetta need exists to enhance trust, coordination at the strategic, policy and operational levels
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The country on Thursday told the US that any violation of its sovereignty was unacceptable.
In separate meetings with CIA Director Leon Panetta, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani stressed that there was a need to enhance trust cooperation and coordination at the strategic, policy and operational levels.
The president, during the meeting, said that the fight against militancy and terrorism remained the highest priority and the government was determined to pursue its struggle against militancy until its logical end. He said that there was a need to enhance trust, cooperation and coordination at the strategic, policy and operational planes. Capacity enhancement of the Pakistan security apparatus is very crucial, the president said.
The president said the government strongly disapproved any incident of violation of its sovereignty. “Any violation of internationally agreed principles is counter productive and unacceptable,” he said, adding that Dr Aafia’s sentence was being perceived as harsh and disproportionate and had led to protests in the country.
The PM expressed concern over the increasing drone attacks and violation of Pakistan’s airspace by NATO and ISAF helicopters.
The PM, underscoring the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation between Pakistan and the US, said that US and ISAF forces should share credible and actionable information with Pakistan’s forces, enabling them to take required action against possible threats in the bordering areas with Afghanistan. He, however, said that Pakistan being a front-line ally in the war against terror expects its partners to respect its territorial sovereignty.
The PM also conveyed the disappointment of the people and government of Pakistan over the excessive and unfair tenure of sentence given to Dr Aafia Siddiqui by a US court last week. The harsh sentencing had further fueled the anti-American sentiments in the country, he added.
The PM said that despite the catastrophic flood and consequent precarious economic situation, Pakistan remained resolutely committed to the war against terror as it considered success in the war vital not only for peace, stability and economic development of its own people, but for the world at large.
Leon E Panetta appreciated the PM’s leadership and reconciliatory policies to tackle important national and regional issues.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk