No state institution involved in terrorism: FO

Friday, January 02, 2009
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday hit out strongly at the criticism that some elements in the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) were involved in acts of terrorism and were not in control of the government. “Pakistan’s government and state institutions are committed to the war against terror. Therefore, vilifying Pakistan or for that matter any of its state institutions on this score is unwarranted and unacceptable. In Pakistan’s view, in the given situation, what is needed is more accurate alignment in the perception and interests of Afghanistan, Pakistan, US/Nato and countries in the region that have stakes in the struggle against terrorism. It will be helpful to win the war against terror besides dispelling mutual misgivings among them. We have enhanced our engagement with all concerned,” said the spokesman at the Foreign Office at an online media briefing. The spokesman took exception to charges of any terrorist infrastructure on the Pakistani soil. “There is no terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. Terrorism is a global issue. Terrorist elements are found in every society and religion. Pakistan, India and other countries of the region need to follow a cooperative, and not accusatory, approach to jointly deal with this menace,” he said. The spokesman said Pakistan as a responsible state was taking all requisite steps to counter terrorism. The international community recognises and appreciates the sacrifices made by Pakistan in combating terrorism. “As for the reprehensible Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistan is ready to cooperate with India in investigating the incident. We are awaiting a response from the Indian side to our proposals. Both countries should work together to prevent acts of terrorism in the region. This pernicious phenomenon requires international cooperation at every level,” he pointed out. The spokesman, in reply to a query, said it would be unfortunate if a military confrontation took place. “War or any level of military confrontation can have disastrous consequences for the region. Pakistan will not accept political or military coercion. Although we have made it clear that Pakistan stands ready to take every possible step to defend itself, we have counselled and exercised restraint and responsibility,” he replied. Referring to the recent visit of Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister He Yafei, the special envoy of his government, the spokesman said he conveyed China’s commitment to working towards reducing tension between Pakistan and India and resolving the outstanding issues through consultation and cooperation. “We welcome the Chinese role and proactive efforts to avert the crisis in South Asia from spiralling out of control,” he added. The spokesman avoided giving a direct reply when asked if the relations between Pakistan and India had become hostage to the Mumbai attacks but said it was India that had placed a “pause” on the composite dialogue. “Pakistan believes that sustained engagement and dialogue is necessary to allay each other’s concerns. Breakdown of dialogue only works to the advantage of terrorists,” said the spokesman. He said the government did not want to indulge in blame game in spite of the statements coming from across the border in this regard. “Pakistan believes that the two countries need to demonstrate restraint and responsibility. For its part, Pakistan has sincerely offered its cooperation in investigating the Mumbai tragedy. We await response to our concrete proposals regarding joint investigations and high-level visit. We also await evidence from India to enable our own investigations to make progress,” said the spokesman. The spokesman did not completely deny when asked if foreign capitals had shared any evidence on the Mumbai attacks but commented that they were waiting for concrete evidence. “We await any concrete information or evidence relating to the Mumbai incident. We have offered to India joint investigations. India’s external affairs minister has said they have not shared evidence with Pakistan and that they are still investigating,” he said. Pakistan says it has handed over a list of Indian prisoners in Pakistan to an officer of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad at the Foreign Office on Thursday. The Indian side assured to hand over its list shortly. In accordance with Article-1 of the Agreement on Consular Access between Pakistan and India signed on May 21, 2008, both countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other’s custody on the 1st of January and the 1st of July every year. The spokesman, in response to a query on the situation in the Middle East, said the president, the prime minister and the foreign minister had condemned the atrocities committed by Israel. The OIC ministerial conference on the situation in Gaza will be held tomorrow (Saturday) in Saudi Arabia. Pakistan will be represented by the minister of state for foreign affairs in the conference. “We believe that violence aggravates conflicts. The current situation in Gaza could lead to further escalation of tensions in the region and undermine efforts for promoting a just and equitable resolution of the Palestinian issue,” he added. Pakistan calls upon the international community to work for the resolution of the Palestine issue in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the Arab Peace Plan and other international peace efforts, he said.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=63806