ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office said on Thursday that the government has started preparations to raise the issue of drone attacks at the United Nations in accordance with the recommendation of the recently held all parties conference.
In his weekly media briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said necessary directives have been issued to the Pakistani missions in New York and Geneva.
The spokesman rejected any agreement with the United States on the use of drone attacks and said these violate our territorial sovereignty and integrity.
Chaudhry said that drone strikes are counterproductive against the forces of terrorism and extremism, adding that the international community has also supported Pakistan’s stance on drone attacks.
Talking about the recent release of Afghan prisoners, the spokesman said the reason for releasing Afghan Taliban prisoners was to facilitate the reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
The spokesman said that Pakistan has so far released thirty-three Taliban detainees including seven in recent days with the objective to contribute to Afghan reconciliation process.
Chaudhry said the purpose is to allow these elements to join the mainstream reconciliation process. He said Pakistan believes that the Afghan reconciliation process will succeed only if all the stakeholders are able to participate in it.
The spokesman said Pakistan government‚ the concerned authorities in Afghanistan and the United States are in touch with one another on the release of Taliban prisoners.
Responding to a question‚ the spokesman said Pakistan will not interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan and extend all out support and assistance for the success of reconciliation process there. He said we support a political solution that is Afghan owned and Afghan led.
On Pakistan-India relations‚ the spokesperson said Advisor on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz will hold talks with Indian external affairs minister Salman Khurshid in Kyrgyzstan on Friday on the sideline of Shangahi Cooperation Organization meeting. Both the leaders will discuss bilateral relations.
About the proposed meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh in New York‚ the spokesman said both the governments are in touch to work out the date. This meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to the two sides to discuss matters of mutual interests.
The spokesman said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is also undertaking a three-day visit to Turkey from Monday. During his stay‚ the prime minister will hold talks with the Turkish leadership on promotion of relations in diverse fields including economy‚ trade‚ energy and investment.
Expressing concerns over loss of innocent lives in Syria‚ he said Pakistan demands an all-inclusive political dialogue to find solution of the matter. He said any action against Syria should be in accordance with the UN charter and principles.
The spokesman said Pakistan is also distressed over the reported use of chemical weapons in Syria. He said these weapons should not be used by any party under any circumstances.
Chaudhry said our embassy in Syria is fully functional and has prepared a contingency plan to evacuate Pakistanis in case of any attack.
