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The prime minister praised the US policy of discontinuing drone strikes in Pakistan and said this policy must be carried on. — Photo by Reuters
THE HAGUE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif asked the US on Monday to play its role in normalising ties between Pakistan and India and said issues between the two neighbouring countries should be resolved.
Talking to reporters after a meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry, he said India was hesitating to resolve the Kashmir issue bilaterally.
If India is not willing to include a third force in resolving the Kashmir issue then the United States will have to play its role in ensuring a normal situation in the region.
The prime minister said peace in Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan and the region.
He said Pakistan wanted to talk to the Afghan Peace Council to maintain peace in the region, adding that improved relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan should not be derailed.
The prime minister praised the US policy of discontinuing drone strikes in Pakistan and said this policy must be carried on.
During the meeting held on the sidelines of the two-day Nuclear Security Summit, Pakistan and the US reaffirmed their desire to continue their strategic dialogue, covering a wide range of areas.
The US secretary said his country had great confidence in Pakistan’s nuclear security and would continue to work with Pakistan in fighting terrorism.
In brief remarks to the media, he said the US would cooperate with Pakistan to help meet its energy needs.
Mr Kerry said the two countries were “deeply engaged” and would focus on the issues of terrorism and global energy, besides Afghanistan and the bilateral relations.
He said he was looking forward to his meeting with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar soon.
Prime Minister Sharif, in his speech at the Nuclear Security Summit, said Pakistan attached the highest importance to nuclear security because it was directly linked to the country’s national security.
He said: “Pakistan is a responsible nuclear weapons state and pursues a policy of nuclear restraint, as well as credible minimum deterrence.”
Leaders from 53 countries, the United Nations, European Union, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Interpol are attending the summit.
“Our region needs peace and stability for economic development that benefits its people. That is why, I strongly advocate nuclear restraint, balance in conventional forces and ways to resolve conflicts,” the prime minister said.
Pakistan’s nuclear security is supported by five pillars -- a strong command and control system led by the National Command Authority, an integrated intelligence system, a rigorous regulatory regime, a comprehensive export control regime and active international cooperation.
Mr Sharif said the country’s security regime covered physical protection, material control and accounting, border controls and radiological emergencies.
He said Pakistan’s nuclear material, facilities and assets were safe and secure and the nuclear security regime was anchored in the principle of multi-layered defence against the entire spectrum of threats — from inside, outside or cyber threat.
He said the country had set up a centre of excellence that conducted intense specialised courses in nuclear security, physical protection and personnel reliability and was ready to share its best practices and training facilities with other interested states in the region and beyond.The prime minister said Pakistan had been running a safe, secure and safeguarded civil nuclear programme for more than 40 years and it had the expertise, manpower and infrastructure to produce civil nuclear energy.
“As prime minister, I feel that energy deficit is one of the most serious crises facing Pakistan. As we revive our economy, we look forward to international cooperation and assistance for nuclear energy under IAEA safeguards,” he said.
He called for Pakistan’s inclusion in all international export control regimes, especially the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
The prime minister said all leaders gathered at the meeting wanted nuclear security which was a national responsibility and a global priority. All countries should continue to take measures to secure all nuclear facilities and material and prevent any perceived nuclear terrorist threat.
“We all need radioactive sources for hospitals, industry and research; but should be vigilant about radiological threats,” he said.
He said Pakistan had deployed radiation detection mechanisms at several exit and entry points to prevent illicit trafficking of radioactive and nuclear material.
The prime minister announced that Pakistan was considering ratification of the 2005 Amendment to the CPPNM and was actively conducting a review to meet its various requirements.—APP
Comments (46) Closed
If what is reported is true then PM has done a good job
PM was under false impression that he had developed a strong relations with India while he was in exile. India was very kind to Sharifs while they were living in exile. He made trips to India and Indian diplomatist regularly met with Sharif while he was in London. When Sharif came to power he assumed his goodwill be reciprocated by India and he opened his heart to them. However rude awakening kicked in shortly when Indian gave him cold shoulder on Kashmir and water treaty. He was forced to change his stance on MFN. PM is still living in fools paradise that India will make any concessions to him.
With talk like this how would you want India to have normal relations with Pakistan ? Even for neutral Indians like me get irritated by this behavior. Ind
Afghan Peace council initially formed to start peace process with Taliban. "He said Pakistan wanted to talk to the Afghan Peace Council to maintain peace in the region", What does that mean????
Nawaz shareef is neither a statesman nor a politicians
indo-pak conflict can not be resolved without adding third force in it,,,third force must be enough wise and neutral
@Ravi Dallas TX: You get upset to quick. If India says Kashmir must be resolved under bilateral discussions, it should engage in such dialog. Stonewalling is not going to make it go away. Actually Pakistan should raise the issue of India illegally annexing Hyderabad.
@Shreyas Deshmukh: I am no supporter of Mr Sharif, but what he says here makes sense: peace in Afghanistan is essential for peace in the region in general, and in Pakistan in particular. The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is quite 'porous' so any deal will have to involve Pakistan
Nawaz Sharif is well advised to solve its own but most intricate internal problems like militancy, power shortage, failing economy than raking up unsolvable and dead Kashmir issue. NS, who has miserably failed at home on all fronts is now trying to divert the attention of its own masses as well as the international community who is deeply worried about the safety of huge nuclear arsenal is thus committing a political hara-kiri on the foreign policy too.
Was he not told by Obama to settle bilaterally?
@Last Word: I am not sure if this is MNS or military talking.
I do not understand how this deadlock is going to be resolved.
If Pakistan can ask for a 3rd party's mediation, then India can refuse a 3rd party's mediation.
now who is dehati Aurat ??
Useless attempt by Nawaz Sharif. Better improve Pakistan living standards first, where there is no electricity, food and water, the basic needs.
Detente is a word which can only be used for what happened between USA and USSR during cold war. It can not be applied for India Pakistan conflict which is of a different nature.
@Ravi Dallas TX: You're not neutral then, are you? Besides, what exactly did he say that angers you? Nawaz is actually the least aggressive politician in the whole sub-continent.
India asked Pakistan to stop allowing its soil for anti-India activities and for the prompt prosecution of the Mumbai culprits. Pakistan displayed its reluctance to punish the terrorists who planned Mumbai attacks. India retaliated by suspending the composite dialogue. Instead of acting in a way to create good will, Pakistan repeatedly asked US, which has repeatedly rejected to mediate. Pakistan knew that India can't be brought to the table even if US agrees to mediate. Why this useless efforts and to satisfy who ?
Nawaz Sharif cannot fix the basic problems of Pakistan, terrorism, electricity, food, water, yet he grumbles for Kashmir, wants US to meddle. India has continuously refused and US too has stated it will not mediate, which does not go in to the head of Sharif.
@Tamza: Raise any/all issues you want in any forum. No one is going to back you. No, not even China, US or for that matter any other Muslim country.
@Tamza and @Ravi Here is another viewpoint: India claims P.O.K. and wants the matter resolved.
A key question is: how much of history should we consider? Kashmir, Kalat, Hyderabad, Durand-Line, Indo-Tibetan border, all have historical issues surrounding their status.
Shariff inviting the US into these discussions is short-sighted. Let us also not forget that on many of these issues, the current problems are also due to decisions made by a 'third party' - the British.
Roger
Confusing I must say...Initially pushing for the implementation of the UN resolution and now bilaterally resolve issue. The American's are not going to interfere in Kashmir. They believe in free trade and their economic interests. India is their new market. Also, Americans have a better understanding of the non-binding UN resolution on Kashmir these days.
@Tamza: No Business?? Do you know how much money India has spent in Afghanistan for infra-structure? Do you know how may Beauracrats and Military officers are taking training in India? Do you know how many Afghan students are in India? You will like to gobble up Afghanistan just like you tried to do with Kashmir. My advice, just live within your means and all will be fine; do not take beggar money from Saudis, Do not keep your hand out for American money all the times.
So the PM asked US to intervene : It would be interesting to know what US replied. That has NOT been told. So painting one side of the story will earn the PM some brownie points with few idiots only. If US was willing to intervene they would have done with out Pak asking them. Has China agreed to Intervene? Has the Muslim brotherhood agreed to intervene?
There has to be an answer to this WHY? Figure it out
@Tamza: So when afghans were fighting the USSR why did you guys interfere? Now you claim that It was you who caused the break up of USSR. Why dont you go and fight other superpowers in Iraq, Iran, Syria, Somalia?
One only reaps what one sows.
US can play no role on Kashmir issue.
USA will never support Pakistan and buy a conflict with India. USA is a free market system country. Who is a bigger buyer of Bank of America products, insurances and medicine et. etc. Pakistan is expecting a miracle. USA is not known to be a honest broker. Only money talks in USA and so in the government.
Kashmir issue was already resolved in 1948. India got Srinagar and the valley. Pakistan got the foothills. What is left to talk about?
India has no business in Afghanistan or in Kashmir. What country lets its own people starve and live in abject poverty ( India ) while giving billions of dollars in assistance to Afghanistan so it can use the Karzai governments weaknesses to instigate nefarious acts of terrorism in Pakistan?
Whatever the Sharif leadership is now attempting, the USA isn't going to play fair due to hefty Indian lobbying money being paid to American politicians to turn the tide against Pakistan at every step. Pakistan is better off getting China involved, which is a consistent and strong Pakistan ally.
Nawaz Shariff acting like dehati aurat in his own words,is complaining about India to USA- but India is not recipients of doles from US like Pakistan- so India is not under obligation to follow US orders like Pakistan.
History has shown over centuries that nations cannot be oppressed forever. Events happen , situations arise and a window to justice opens. The world knows the atrocities continuously being committed in Indian occupied Kashmir but the 'window to justice will open' and Kashmiris will be free to chose their own destiny.
Who would have thought, East Timor and South Sudan ( both Christian nations) would get to decide their future but Kashmir and Palistine ( both Muslim) with UN resolutions on the table await their turn.
Grow up Pakistan...no third party can resolve the issue of Kashmir
India in 2014 is much different than India in 1947.
I am a US citizen who has lived there for thirty years; US policies are designed around what is good for the USA. Hence USA playing a neutral role of a peace maker is not practical. India and Pakistan should respect the current line of control and learn to live as neighbors. If one wages proxy war the other one will respond with the same since both nations have enough internal disputes to be exploited by others.
@Sufi Mateen: Inida has already made the "concession" of giving Pakistan the MFN status. Pakistan has not reciprocated.
Sharifs "heart" and "goodwill" are meaningless - India doesn't run on "good feelings", it runs of practical steps. Pakistan needs to first reciprocate the MFN status or India will cancel Pakistan's own MFN status for trade with India. Allowing such a one-way trade privilege to Pakistan is not something that India can afford diplomatically. If India offers such a privilege to Pakistan, every nation on Earth including North Korea can ask for a similar trading status.
@Zak:
And so would the Baloch and Sindhis.
@Tamza: India have every business in that discussion because India's security is directly affected by the resolution of the Afghanistan problem. Further, there is a significant population of Afghans living in India as refugees and India's commercial and strategic interests all involve Afghanistan regardless of what Pakistan "believes" or "thinks".
India and Afghanistan are neighbors and as such beyond the immediate practical issues, the destabilization of Afghanistan by well armed and financed Pakistani based Taliban and other Islamic radicals can only lead to another period of Taliban rule with the creation of another terrorist haven. That is a scenario that greatly interests ALL the powers of the world - India in particular.
@FIZA, Soho: What "business" India has in Kashmir or Afghanistan is not yours to decide. Nobody is "starving" in India and in fact the per capita income in India is higher than in Pakistan with more starving children, poverty endemic in Pakistan than in India. This is another reason why despite the relative safety in Pakistan, tens of thousands of Afghan families have chosen to face the blood and bullets in Afghanistan rather than starve in Pakistan.
@Rahul: There is some delusional idea in Pakistan that by saying the "right words" or by using the "right strategy" somehow Pakistan can get India to surrender ALL of Kashmir to them.
This absurd fantasy is still alive despite 6 decades reality and this fantasy is likely to persist in the pakistani subconscious as long as the Pakistani state is wedded to Islamist ideologies.
@Neeraj: Only third parties can resolve it as India just stalls and kills Kashmiris.
@gary: Kashmir is internationally accepted is pending resolution according to UN Security Council. Sind, Balochistan, Khalistan, jharkand, Tamil, awadh, Kerala, rajastan etc are internationally recognized as part of the respective countries. So a non starter, but resolving Kashmir will stop the harm done to each other and waste billions on arms.
@SYEDA SARA BATOOL: May be you never heard the story of a fox helping the two monkeys to share the bread.
Nawaz must learn how to use English or completely refrain from using it . India is never hesitant in anything , it was Nawaz 's fault not to understand India's official position on Kashmir . Only Pak. occupied Territory is to be solved according to Indian expectations , nothing else will do ,Americans understand this , hence their refusal to get into mud .
@Zak: I thought the Shimla Agreement governed the India-Pakistan talks and not Washington?
@Tamza: yeah keep dreaming
the only solution to india pakistan problem is: india must give kashmir valley(not jammu and ladakh) to pakistan as it is a muslim dominated area.india must also send all muslims residing in india to pakistan to fullfil the demand of muslim league.problem solved,right?
Does Pakistan still trust the US to do a fair deal on Kashmir after 67-years of US betrayal (from Pakistan's view point)? Kashmir is a zero sum gain: Pakistan's potential gain is India's loss, and vice versa. There is no solution except for one side or the other to take it by force and hold it by force. I say this after 47 years studying/considering/learning the issue.