Spokesman Briefings

Date: 23/01/2008

Record of Press Briefing on 23 January, 2008

Opening Statement

Situation in Gaza

Pakistan is deeply concerned at the deteriorating situation in Gaza as a result of Israeli blockade and attacks on the Palestinian territory. These excessive acts constitute a flagrant breach of international norms and humanitarian law. The increased Israeli hostilities have exacerbated the humanitarian suffering and economic hardship of the Palestinian people. This situation would lead to an escalation of tension in the region and undermine efforts for promoting a peaceful resolution of the Palestine issue.

Pakistan condemns the recent Israeli acts of aggression against the people of Gaza . We call upon the international community to ensure an urgent and complete lifting of Israeli blockade on Gaza and the resumption of fuel, food and other humanitarian supplies to the suffering Palestinian people. We also call for a resolution of the Palestine issue in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, the Arab Peace Plan and other international peace efforts.

Question/Answer Session

Q: Iran has asked to convene a meeting of the OIC to address the Gaza blockade by Israel . What is the position of Pakistan on this?

A: Iran has requested for a meeting of the Executive Committee of OIC to address the issue of Israeli blockade of Gaza . The Executive Committee is composed of the former, current and future chairs of ICFM ( Pakistan , Azerbaijan , Uganda ) and OIC Summit ( Malaysia , Qatar , Senegal ), Saudi Arabia , Palestine and the Secretary General. The meeting is expected to be scheduled by this weekend or immediately after it.

Q: Indo-Israel defence collaboration is increasing day by day. Isn't that a matter of concern for Pakistan ?

A: I can't comment on a relationship between third states. However, if you are talking about the introduction of new weapon systems in the region due to a relationship then it is a matter of concern for us. We oppose the introduction of new weapon systems in South Asia . This region doesn't need new weapons. It needs economic development, growth and social progress.

Q: President Musharraf is visiting so many capitals during his trip to Europe . What necessitated this visit particularly at this time? Also if addressing the Davos Forum was so important then why were so many other countries especially London were added as UK has stated clearly that this visit is not on their invitation? What do you say about the negative press coverage of the visit?

A: The President's recent tour to some European capitals was built around his engagements in Davos Forum. It offered a useful opportunity to interact with our important European partners on bilateral and international issues of mutual interest.

Regular consultations between countries are vital in the globalized world of today and the President's visit to Europe is aimed at promoting a better understanding with political and economic partners.

Europe is the biggest market for Pakistani exports. Both sides share common views on many regional and international issues and are working closely to fight the menace of terrorism. It is necessary to remain in constant touch at the highest level.

The visit is also aimed at removing misunderstandings and misperceptions about the situation in Pakistan and to inform the European leaders, media and the Pakistani community about the recent political developments in Pakistan .

The President's visit to Europe is a working visit. Most high level exchanges between Europe and other countries are arranged as working visits which do not need any formal written invitations. They are, however, agreed through diplomatic channels. The dates, meetings and other related arrangements are mutually worked out in advance.

The President addressed the joint meeting of Foreign Affairs Committee and the South Asia Delegation of the European Parliament in Brussels . The meeting had been planned by us in advance, and there was no effort by anyone to block the meeting as insinuated in one of the newspapers.

Similarly, the Secretary General of NATO called on the President at his hotel. The address to the North Atlantic Council had been proposed but due to the busy schedule of the President, it was not possible to accommodate it in the program.

Q: The European leaders have said that the future of Pakistan-EU relationship will depend on holding of free and fair elections. What are your comments on these statements?

A: I want to clarify that the President and the Government has committed to the people of Pakistan that free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections will be held and this is a commitment that the Government will keep. This is the most important thing. Which other countries are interested, or not interested, in free and fair election is not important. Pakistan itself is interested, and committed to fair and free elections.

Q: Has the baton of command for Pakistan 's contribution on the war on terror changed hands from President Musharraf to General Kiyani?

A: President Musharraf as Head of State and the Government of Pakistan are in charge of the country and the Chief of Staff is part of that Government.

Q: How do you view the recent statement of UK Prime Minister expressing support for India in its bid for the UN Security Council membership? What is Pakistan doing about it?

A: We have seen Gordon Brown's statement. Pakistan remains of the view that the reform and expansion of the Security Council is the most critical issue on the agenda of the UN General Assembly. We are against the creation of new centers of privilege. We support just and equitable reform that corresponds to the interests of all, not just a few Member States. We support equal and non discriminatory approach for all regional groups with regard to their representation on the Council.

We have been working to promote a solution through negotiations by consensus or the broadest possible agreement. We are also an active member of the Uniting for Consensus Group (UFC) of countries who all oppose expansion in the Permanent Category.

Q: Doesn't it suggest a failure of the foreign policy of Pakistan that in the name of the peace dialogue we have allowed India to fence the LoC and suppress the freedom struggle in Kashmir ?

A: Pakistan supports the freedom struggle of Kashmir politically, diplomatically and morally. Pakistan is committed to the resolution of the Kashmir dispute under the relevant UN resolutions. We also believe that in addition to Pakistan and India , Kashmiris are a party to the dispute and should be on board for its resolution. We have opposed the fencing of the LoC and our position remains unchanged.

Q: President Musharraf agreed to appear before the Foreign Relations Committee of the EU like any regular person rather then having a formal, official meeting as befits his status as a head of state. How do you explain this decision of the President?

A: I have just addressed this question. The meeting was arranged at our request. It was a joint meeting of the Foreign Relations Committee and the South Asian Delegation of the European Parliament. President addressed them and responded to their questions. I served in Brussels for four years and attended several meeting of these committees and this is their standard format. If there are news reports that say something else, then they need to check their facts.

Q: You also said that Pakistan supports Kashmiris politically. Does Pakistan also support them diplomatically?

A: Yes, Pakistan also extends diplomatic support.

Q: What is the current status of the President's Middle East initiative?

A: Pakistan supports a just resolution of Palestine issue. We are collaborating with other partners towards this end. Pakistan participated in the Annapolis Conference. We are also pursuing a just resolution of Palestine issue actively along with other member of the OIC.

Q: There are news reports that Iran is insisting that the IPI agreement be signed with the future Government in Pakistan after the election?

A: I have seen the news item and it is totally incorrect. Iran has not said any such thing to us.

Q: British Prime Minister supported Indian bid for UN Security Council. How does this affect the UN resolution on Kashmir ? Also Barrister Sultan Mehmood alleged that Pakistan policies on Kashmir have changed. What are your comments on this?

A: Gordon Brown didn't say anything on Kashmir so there is no question of any change.

As far as the second part of your question is concerned, we do not comment on statements of political leaders. However, Pakistan 's position on Kashmir dispute remains based in the relevant UN resolutions. This is the stated position and this is our policy.

Q: Does the four point formula given by President Musharraf for the Kashmir dispute imply a change in the policy of Pakistan ?

A: No, it does not. Seeking a resolution of the Kashmir dispute under the UN resolutions is a principled position of Pakistan . We have said it consistently at all national and international forums.

Q: When and where will the next round of the Composite Dialogue be held?

A: We have to conclude the current round of dialogue which will be done as usual by a meeting between the two Foreign Secretaries before the next round is started.

Q: How do you view the latest statement of the Indian Prime Minister where he stated that developments across the border are of concern to India ?

A: I have not seen the statement, therefore, cannot comment on it.

Q: Do not you believe that OIC is a totally ineffective and slow organization? What happened to the efforts to reorganize it?

A: OIC is an international organization and international organizations have their own mechanism. OIC is a large international body and naturally it has its own ways and speed of working. Pakistan is committed, and making efforts, to reform the OIC and we are engaged in active consultations with the other member states in this regard.

Q: President Musharraf had said he was ready to move away from the UN resolutions on Kashmir and had given his own 4 point formula. Can you clarify what that means for UN resolutions based solution?

A: Pakistan is committed to the resolution of the Kashmir dispute under the UN resolutions. When we talk of out of the box solutions it doesn't mean that we are changing that principled position.

Q: Has the Indian side done anything new on Kashmir dispute like President Musharraf's formula?

A: India has come to the negotiation table to discuss the Kashmir dispute. I think that is important.