News
Friday, September 10, 2010
Afghan reconciliation plan welcome: FO
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Thursday described as successful Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s tour of Europe, which was aimed at sensitising the international community on devastation caused by the floods and relief requirements.
During his weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said the foreign minister had briefed European leaders regarding the challenges being faced by Pakistan due to terrorism and floods. Replying to a question about drone attacks, he said Pakistan had always opposed them and considered these attacks counterproductive. He said Pakistan had expressed its concerns to the US. “These attacks are not helping our efforts to win hearts and minds of the people,” he added.
Commenting on the Afghan government’s talks with the Taliban, Basit said, “Pakistan welcomes Afghan government’s initiative of reconciliation and reintegration with the Taliban that is according to the London conference and recently held Kabul conference.”
He said this issue would be discussed during Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s upcoming visit to Pakistan. The spokesman said Pakistan had always promoted holistic approach on the issue of terrorism but it is against unilateral use of power and also favours development and dialogue. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk