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Qureshi shows deep concern over border violations by NATO forces
BRUSSELS, Oct 4 (APP): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi has expressed Pakistan’s deep concern over the border violations and recent attacks in Pakistani territory by NATO and ISAF forces in which three FC soldiers embraced Shahadat and three were injured. The Foreign Minister was talking to NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at NATO Headquarters here on Monday.Foreign Minister Qureshi is currently visiting Brussels to participate in ASEM-8 summit.
Consequently after the attacks, the NATO supplies from Torkham border into Afghanistan is interrupted by Pakistan government.
The Foreign Minister while apprising the Secretary General of the gravity of public anger over NATO incursions said that Pakistan would only reopen the supply route for coalition troops in Afghanistan once public anger eases and security improves.
“Unless the reaction cools down and we make sure that the supply line is secured, we cannot reopen it,” the Foreign Minister added.
The Minister further said the UN mandate for ISAF is confined to Afghanistan and NATO/ISAF forces are again advised to refrain from any actions that constitute a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Secretary General offered regrets and termed the incidents as most unfortunate.
He assured that NATO considers Pakistan as an important partner and has started a joint investigation to carry out a detailed assessment of the incident so as to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium Jalil Abbas Jilani was also present at the meeting.
Pakistan had already lodged a strong protest with NATO over border violations and the Ambassador of Pakistan in Brussels handed over demarche to the Deputy Secretary General, NATO on October 1.
Courtesy www.app.com.pk