Pakistan seeks West, UN help stops Indian LoC violations

Pakistan has conveyed its concern to the Western diplomats and the UN Military Observers Group for India and Pakistan over repeated violation of Line of Control by Indian army, urging them to play their role in defusing the tension.

Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani at a news briefing after discussions with European diplomats in Islamabad on Friday said members of the diplomatic community have expressed concern over rising tension and wanted peaceful relations between Pakistan and India. He expressed the hope that they would play positive role in de-escalating the current state of violations on the LoC.

Asked about the reaction of the US Ambassador who also attended the briefing at the Foreign Office, Jalil Abbas Jilani said like his other colleagues, Mr. Olson was also equally concerned about tension on the LoC. The US would like this tension to be defused for the sake of peace in the region.

The Foreign Secretary said Pakistani defence authorities have already briefed the UN Military Observers Group about these violations. He said Pakistan has already offered UN probe as the Group is the only neutral mechanism available to both countries to come out with truth.

Replying to a question whether Pakistan would take up the issue at the UN Security Council, the Foreign Secretary said all options are open.

The Foreign Secretary said repeated violations of LoC by Indian troops and killing of Pakistani troops is very unfortunate particularly because the two countries invested very heavily in recent months in building up peace and stability not only between them but in the region. He said Pakistan took a number of steps in order to improve relations with India. Such incidents not only vitiate atmosphere but also cause a shadow over the peace process.

He said similar concerns were conveyed to the Indian High Commissioner as well hoping that there would be no recurrence of these violations. He said Pakistan wants to have friendly and cooperatively relations with all neighbours including India. We expect the Indian Government to ensure that the sanctity of the LoC is maintained at all costs.

The Foreign Secretary also referred to the propaganda campaign launched by Indian media that one of the two Indian soldiers reportedly killed was beheaded and body of the other mutilated and said even spokesman of the Indian army has rejected such reports.

To a question Jalil Abbas Jilani said democracy very well established in Pakistan with all democratic institutions working and there should be no cause of concern that incidents on the LoC would affect the democratic process. He said the international community is deeply appreciative of the democratic transition that will soon take place and also very good steps taken by the Government to strengthen democracy in the country.

Replying to another question he said his remarks about grant of MFN to India were quoted out of context by some sections of media. The Secretary said he had stated that certain stakeholders especially agricultural lobby and businessmen have some concerns over trade normalisation process with India. He hoped that these concerns would be addressed by the ministries concerned. He pointed out that the Federal Cabinet has already approved the establishment of normal trade relations between the two countries.

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Posted by Tahir Khan on Jan 11 2013. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.