Spokesman Briefings

Date: 15/05/2008

Record of the Weekly Press Briefing on 15 May 2008

Opening Statement

Prime Minister's visit to Sharm El-Sheikh from 17-20 May 2008 to participate in the World Economic Forum on the Middle East

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani will visit Egypt from 17 to 20 May 2008. He has been invited by Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Middle East .

The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Pakistan has been a regular participant in the Forum's activities at the highest level. The Forum will provide an opportunity for interaction with region's key political and economic leaders, and presentation of Pakistan 's perspective on the political and economic issues. The visit would also provide an opportunity to add economic content to the existing bilateral economic and political ties with the countries of the region.

The Prime Minister's programme includes address to the Special Session entitled “Global Leader in the Spotlight” on 18 May and address to the Arab Business Council on 19 May 2008. On the sidelines of the meeting, he is expected to meet US President George W. Bush, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif, and Prime Minister of Palestinian Authority Salam Fayyad.

The Prime Minster will return to Pakistan on 20 May 2008.

Questions/Answers Session

Q: What is Pakistan 's reaction to the Jaipur bomb blasts?

A: We strongly condemn the bomb blasts in Jaipur that led to loss of several precious lives. Being a victim of the scourge of terrorism itself, Pakistan denounces terrorist acts all over the world. We are committed to fight these deplorable and cowardly acts. Pakistan expresses sympathy and condolence with the families of the victims of Jaipur bomb blasts.

Q: What is the agenda of talks for Composite Dialogue with India ?

A: The Ministerial level review of the Fourth Round of Pakistan-India Composite Dialogue will be held in Islamabad on 21 May 2008. It will be preceded by the Foreign Secretary level review meeting on 20 May 2008.

Talks will be held on the eight agenda items of the Composite Dialogue: (i) Peace and Security including CBMs (ii) Jammu and Kashmir (iii) Siachen (iv) Sir Creek (v) Wullar Barrage (vi) Terrorism and Drugs Trafficking (vii) Economic and Commercial Cooperation, and (viii) Promotion of Friendly Exchanges. The review meetings will help the two sides to assess the progress made in the Fourth Round of the eight segments of Composite Dialogue process and deliberate on how to address the out-standing issues in a more meaningful way.

Pakistan desires to have friendly and good neighbourly relations with India , and a stable and prosperous South Asian region. We are committed to the peace process and seek peaceful resolution of all issues including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Q: What are your comments on yesterday's attack in Bajour Agency?

A: We have checked with the concerned authorities about the incident in Bajour. It is not clear that it was missile attack, rocket attack, or internal explosion. The investigations are being conducted into incident. It is not possible to comment on incident which is still not investigated.

Q: India has already indicated Kashmir related proposals for discussion during the Composite Dialogue. Are there any specific proposals from Pakistan side?

A: The proposals are tabled during the meetings and not through media. We will bring up our proposals when we meet the other side.

Q: Bajour incident is not the first of its kind. Why is the Foreign Office not taking up the issue with US?

A: We have been told by the concerned authorities that it is not clear what actually happened in Bajour. I don't think any side has owned up the incident.

Q: Indian Foreign Secretary has stated that terrorism will be added as agenda item to Composite Dialogue. How do you take his statement? What are Pakistan 's expectations from these talks?

A: Terrorism and drug trafficking is the sixth agenda item on the talks and it was always on the agenda. Terrorism is a common threat and we need this region to be free of terrorism. Progress has already been made in the last 4 years and we hope to make further progress.

Q: According to reports Pentagon has paid a bounty of $ 500,000 for extradition of a Canadian national. What is the mechanism with regard to payment of these bounties? Is there any role played by Pakistan 's Embassies in such cases?

A: I am not aware if what has been reported had actually happened. The Foreign Office does not deal with such cases.

Q: The Prime Minister has termed Pakistan-India talks under Musharraf regime as half-backed. Will there be any change with the coming of the new Parliament?

A: Essentially foreign policy is determined by national interest and not by individuals. Certain dimensions are added to the formulation of foreign policy with the coming in power of the new elected government and an active government.

Q: Some leaders from Kashmir have demanded that the Kashmiris be included in dialogue with India . They also said talks will focus on division of Kashmir . What are your comments?

A: Pakistan 's position is very clear. We believe that there are three parties to the Kashmir conflict i.e. Pakistan , India and the Kashmiri people. Division of Kashmir is not what we want. It can't be on the agenda.

Q: What is the update on Pakistanis who are being held in Spain ?

A: A group of 12 Pakistanis was arrested in Barcelona on 18 January 2008 on terrorism charges. Three of them were released within days of their arrest. On 23 January the remaining nine were formally charged by an anti-terrorism court: six with planning suicide attacks in Barcelona and possessing explosive materials; two with planning terrorist attacks and one with making explosive devices and planning terrorist attacks.

One of the nine detainees has Spanish citizenship, five have been in the country for 6-7 years and hold residence and work permits, and three had entered Spain illegally 2-3 months before their arrest. All are said to be active members of the Tablighi Jamaat of Barcelona .

Pakistan 's Embassy in Madrid and the Consulate General in Barcelona have held numerous meetings with the Spanish authorities as well as with the Pakistan community in Madrid and Barcelona . The detained Pakistanis have been visited by the Embassy's consular teams. Their families are in touch with them. The Embassy is in regular contact with the Spanish Foreign Office and the Interior Ministry. The Consul General in Barcelona has also held frequent meetings with the regional government authorities. The Consul General is in touch with the lawyer hired by the detained Pakistanis and also with the families of the detainees.

A Spanish Media delegation visited Foreign Office yesterday. In an extensive session, the Spokesman briefed them on the plight of Pakistanis held in Spain .

Q: According to reports EU has expressed concerns over increase in the number of people crossing from Pakistan to Afghanistan and from Afghanistan to Pakistan . What is being done to address the situation?

A: I have not seen any EU report and therefore I have no comments to offer in this regard.

Q: Was there any particular reason for replacing Dr. Shireen Mazari from the post of Director General of Institute of Strategic Studies ?

A: Dr. Shireen Mazari had been Director General of the Institute of Strategic Studies , Islamabad (ISSI) since August 2000. She has been the longest serving Director General of the Institute. There is no particular reason to replace Dr. Mazari. Dr. Mazari was a contract employee and had served with great distinction. All her contract terms will be honoured. Dr. Tanvir Ahmed Khan, who is a distinguished scholar and former Foreign Secretary, will take over as the new Director General (ISSI).

Q: It is believed that there is a tacit agreement between Pakistan and US which allows US to carry out attacks in Pakistan 's territory. You spoke about mechanism to address violations. What is the mechanism to address such violations? Has Pakistan ever activated this mechanism?

A: The mechanism to address the violations is a Tripartite Commission which has representatives from Pakistan , Afghanistan and ISAF. Whenever there is a violation, it is raised in the Commission. We also raise these issues bilaterally. I am not aware of any agreement between Pakistan and US on attacks inside Pakistan . We have made it clear time and again that any action inside Pakistan 's territory is the responsibility of Pakistani forces.

Q: Any update regarding disappearance of Ambassador Tariq Azizuddin?

A: Ambassador Tariq Azizuddin is safe and all possible resources are being deployed for his early and safe return to his family.

Q: Is Pakistan sending any relief supplies to earthquake affected area in China ?

A: We express our deepest sympathies and solidarity with our Chinese friends over the earthquake tragedy and stand by them in this hour of need.

We are confident that great Chinese people will be able to overcome this natural calamity as concerted relief efforts have been launched by China . Pakistan is dispatching two plane-loads of relief supplies to the earthquake affected area and will arrange the dispatch of further supplies if required. The supplies which are being sent tomorrow include food items, medicines, bottled water, tents and blankets etc.

Pakistan is also sharing its experience of handling the 2005 earthquake in Azad Kashmir and NWFP with the Chinese side.