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| March 11, 2007 | Sunday | Safar 21, 1428 |
US bill’s wording unreasonable: FM
LAHORE, March 10: Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri has said the language used in the bill regarding aid to Pakistan and its role in the war against terrorism, at present under debate in the US Congress, is unreasonable and the Foreign Office is taking necessary measures in this regard.
Talking to journalists on Saturday after a reception in honour of the Counselor Corps by the Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs here, he expressed the hope that the US would remove the questionable portion from the bill in view of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Report.
Replying to a question, he said the US had done no favour to Pakistan nor had we done any favour to them rather both the countries were extending ties watching their own interests.
He said the US administration had lauded Pakistan’s efforts in the war against terrorism.
He said Democrats had announced that they would do the legislation in the first 100 hours. The bill concerning Pakistan was part of this legislation which had been drafted in haste.
“We believe that after debate in the Senate, amendments will be made to it.”
Mr Kasuri said Pakistan’s stance was very clear regarding attack on Iran. “It will cast negative effect on the region. The solution to the Iran’s nuclear issue should be sought through talks. We are against war.”
Replying to another query, the foreign minister said Pakistan would not provide any military base for a US attack on Iran.
“Whatever we are doing, that is in the interest of the country.”
He said Kashmir issue was our top priority. “There has been tension between Pakistan and India for the last 50 years because of Kashmir. It should be clear that Pakistan will not make any compromise over its fundamental national interests.”
Earlier, addressing the gathering, Mr Kasuri said Pakistan’s foreign policy was aimed at promotion of peace and security in the region and globally.
He said Pakistan had promised $300 million aid for reconstruction in Afghanistan. He claimed that the bilateral trade volume had topped $1.3 billion. “Pakistan is helping in the development of institutions in Afghanistan.”
Ruling out the accusation of Pakistan’s failure at controlling cross-border movement, he said 80,000 troops had been deployed at the western border.
About the policy of proactive engagement, he said Pakistan’s independent position on issues of Lebanon, Iraq, the Iranian nuclear issue, Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline were all signs of an active and independent foreign policy. — Online
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