Pakistan warns attack on Syria to destabilize region

Pakistan Thursday warned that any military attack on Syria will have serious consequences and plunge the already volatile region into deeper conflict.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said the approach to address the Syrian situation should be guided by principles enshrined in the UN charter like respect for sovereignty‚ territorial integrity‚ non interference in internal matters and resolution of disputes through peaceful manner.

“Islamabad remains opposed to the use of force‚ urges maximum restraint from all sides and dialogue among Syrians for peaceful solution of the problem,” the Foreign Ministry spokesman said at his weekly news briefing in Islamabad.

When asked about Pakistan’s stance on use of chemical weapons in Syria‚ the spokesperson said Islamabad regards the use of chemical weapons by any side as a matter of grave concern and condemns it in clear terms.

He said allegations of the use of chemical weapons in Syria must be interrogated. “Report of the United Nations is very vital in this regard and its findings should be thoroughly examined for an acceptable way forward.”

PAKISTAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAMME: When his attention was invited to Washington Post’s report that the American has increased intelligence on Pakistan’s nuclear arsenals‚ Aizaz Chaudhry dismissed the report saying it is based on incorrect assessment.

“Pakistan is committed to the objectives of disarmament and non-proliferation and a robust command and control system is in place for safety and security of nuclear arsenals and installations.”

He said the US State Department, in a recent statement, has also vindicated Pakistan’s stance on the safety of the nuclear assets. “Pakistan follows best international practices and standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency.”

He emphasized that Pakistan and the United States are engaged in a multidimensional cooperation and both the sides have agreed to revive the work of working groups that will lead to the resumption of strategic level in early next year.

PAKISTAN-INDIA PM’S MEETING: On the expected meeting of the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan on the sideline of UN General Assembly session later this month‚ the spokesperson said both the countries are in touch and working out the date.

“The meeting will provide a useful opportunity to remove the existing trust deficit in relations,” he said. Emphasizing the need for dialogue for settlement of outstanding issues‚ he said disruption of dialogue benefits only those who do not want peace.

On the tension with India at the Line of Control‚ Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said Pakistan has expressed grave concerns over the violations on the Line of Control by India and urged it to respect the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

When asked about Pakistani prisoners in Bagram prison in Afghanistan‚ the spokesperson said Islamabad is in contact with the Afghan and US authorities for the early release and transfer of these prisoners to Pakistan.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=41511

Posted by Tahir Khan on Sep 5 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.