ISLAMABAD, Feb 5: Pakistan has said that a heavy responsibility now falls on those who wish to avert war and bloodshed, including on the Iraqi leadership.

In a statement issued here on Wednesday Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has said that Pakistan‘s priorities in the Security Council and in all other international, regional and bilateral negotiations and discussions, have been, and continue to be, to call for a peaceful solution within the framework of the United Nations and based on our deep concern that the Iraqi people should not unnecessarily bear the burden of additional suffering.

“It is with a heavy heart that the government and the people of Pakistan are watching events unfolding at a very fast pace in the continuing crisis over Iraq. It is with deep regret that we have seen that the momentum of events seems to be inexorably moving from peace to war, despite the sincere efforts of the international community, and the hopes and aspirations of the world public.

“To avert a disaster and tragedy for the Iraqi people, Pakistan calls upon President Saddam Hussain to do utmost, and to put the Iraqi people first. It is imperative that the president weigh all options, to save the people of Iraq from death and destruction on an unprecedented scale.

“This is the sincere feeling and advice of Pakistan which has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the Muslim Ummah at all times. We pray to Allah Almighty that all decision makers in the international community and in Iraq will take heed of Pakistan‘s call.

The situation is fraught with grave consequences for the international system as a whole, for the United Nations, and the role of the Security Council which has the recognized primary responsibility for safeguarding and maintaining international peace and security. The very unity and credibility of the Security Council is at stake.

“The Muslim Ummah, from the shores of the Atlantic to the Pacific, is deeply worried that war may break out, and its implications not only for the people of Iraq, but for the future stability and polity of the Islamic countries. At this time the need for inter-civilizational harmony has never been greater.

“Therefore, a heavy burden has been placed on the international community, particularly on Security Council members and on Iraq to take timely, effective and adequate steps to surmount this challenge to peace and stability.

“In this situation which calls for understanding and statesmanship by all concerned, it is also vitally important that the Iraqi leadership takes the steps which are in the interests of the Iraqi people and to ensure that Iraq fully cooperates and extends all mandated and required assistance to the UNMOVIC and IAEA inspection processes, to adequately answer the unresolved questions, doubts and apprehensions voiced by the inspectors, and certain members of the international community.

“The UNMOVIC and IAEA inspectors are carrying out useful work to confirm and to ensure Iraq‘s mandated disarmament under the UN Security Council Resolutions. They must be given adequate time to look into and to verify or otherwise, allegations and their supporting evidence, Iraq which has pledged full cooperation must implement its commitment without any reservation. Such reservations would compromise its commitment on the substance and process of this vital and decisive issue”.