ISLAMABAD, March 10: The federal cabinet held an emergency meeting here on Monday and discussed the latest situation on Iraq.

The meeting presided over by Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali was briefed on the emergent situation on the Baghdad issue.

According to an official announcement, the cabinet unanimously decided to continue to base Pakistan’s position on Iraq on principles while keeping in view the national interest.

Islamabad has consistently stated that Iraq must comply with the all relevant Security Council resolutions. “Also that peace must be given a chance and all options for peaceful solution must be explored,” the government is of the view.

PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain also attended the meeting on a special invitation.

The prime minister emphasised that Pakistan’s position on the issue would be based on principles and not on expediency. He said that as a leader of an elected government, that drew its strength from the people, he would also be taking the nation into confidence shortly on every important issue.

Informed sources said it was a consensus at the meeting that Pakistan should not support the new US resolution as it would not go well with the people.

They said that almost all the ministers expressed their point of view and said the best option was that Pakistan should abstain from the voting.

It was also said that let other countries, especially France and Russia, take a firm stand over the issue.

In case of a veto by France or Russia, the meeting was told, Pakistan could save its position in the eyes of Bush administration