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Spokesperson Briefings

Date: 24/06/2006

RECORD OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE FOREIGN OFFICE SPOKESPERSON ON 24 JUNE 2006

Opening Statement

Pakistan-US Energy Dialogue in Washington on 26 June 2006

Pakistan-U.S. Energy Dialogue will take place in Washington D.C. on 26 June 2006 . An inter-Ministerial delegation, led by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Energy Mr. Mukhtar Ahmed, will represent the Pakistan side. The U.S. side will be led by Ms. Karen Harbert, Assistant Secretary in the Department of Energy.

During its stay in the U.S. , the Pakistan delegation will hold discussions with officials at the Department of Energy, visit relevant U.S. laboratories and energy facilities, and meet with representatives of the private sector to discuss ways of promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of energy.

The Pakistan-U.S. Energy Dialogue was announced during President George W. Bush's visit to Islamabad in March 2006. The Pakistan-U.S. Joint Statement of 4 March 2006 committed the two sides to form an energy working group to explore ways to meet Pakistan 's growing energy needs and strengthen its energy security. The two sides also agreed to work together for public and private collaboration on a broad range of energy resources.

On 13 March 2006 , U.S. Energy Secretary Sam Bodman visited Islamabad and met with Foreign Minister Kasuri and senior Government officials. The two sides discussed key issues relating to the energy sector and next steps, including the establishment of a Joint Working Group to follow-up on the decisions and to work on cooperative ways to meet Pakistan 's energy needs.

The holding of the Energy Dialogue is an important step in carrying forward the process of energy cooperation between the two countries in the context of the broadening and strengthening of the Pakistan-U.S. relationship.

QUESTION/ANSWER SESSION

- When asked about Pakistan 's position regarding cooperation in civilian nuclear energy, the spokesperson said:

Pakistan 's position is well-known and we will make our point once again.

- Asked whether the energy talks with the US would have any impact on the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline deal, the spokesperson said:

There is no clash between the energy talks with the US and the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project. Pakistan is pursuing multiple options to meet its growing energy needs. The energy dialogue would be an important step in carrying forward the process of energy cooperation between the two countries.

The Pakistan-US joint statement of 4th March committed the two sides to form an energy working group to explore ways to meet Pakistan 's growing energy needs and strengthen its energy security.

- When her attention was drawn to New Delhi 's rejection of the statement on Jammu and Kashmir at the recent OIC Foreign Ministers' meeting in Baku and description of IOK as an integral part of India , the spokesperson said:

The Jammu and Kashmir issue is an internationally recognized dispute and it is on the UN Security Council agenda. No country other than India accepts Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India .

- Asked, if Pakistan would be competing for the seat of the UN Secretary-General, the spokesperson said:

That's a million dollar question … nothing is ruled out.

- When her comments were sought on the reports of Indian reaction to the OIC Contact Group's demand for permission to send a fact-finding Mission to the Indian Held Kashmir (IHK) in order to ascertain reports about massive Human Rights violations, the spokesperson said:

Pakistan and the OIC remain concerned at the systematic human rights violations in IOK. The OIC has repeatedly expressed concern at these violations of human rights by Indian security forces. There are many reports by other international human rights organizations as well. The Indian Prime Minister has only recently acknowledged the human rights violations in IOK. The OIC has been demanding access to a Fact Finding Mission. The Secretary General has appointed a Special Representative on Jammu and Kashmir . At Baku , he expressed regret that India has not allowed an OIC fact-finding mission to visit IOK. We hope this would yield some results.

- When her comments were sought on a statement by the Indian Army Chief about the existence of alleged terrorist training camps in Azad Kashmir, the spokesperson said:

May be he has a third eye that sees what others can't. The places where these alleged camps are operating are open for all to see. The US and NATO contingents, UN organizations and other relief and rescue workers have been operating in Azad Kashmir and none of them saw any such infrastructure.

- When her comments were sought on the issue of fishermen, the spokesperson said:

Pakistan and India have an agreement to rel,ease fishermen at the earliest. Anyone who enters our waters for illegal poaching will be arrested. About 432 Indian fishermen were arrested by Pakistan , while only around 30 were in Indian custody. These 30 are yet to be provided consular access to determine their nationality. The number of those on either side does indicate something.

- When asked about the statement of President Karzai, the spokesperson said:

President Karzai has talked about addressing the sources of terrorism in Afghanistan . We also believe that underlying causes of terrorism everywhere including in Afghanistan should be addressed. To address the root causes of terrorism in Afghanistan , a process of national reconciliation is required. In the meeting on 23 June 2006 , the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed on enhancing coordination and cooperation between the two sides to fight terrorism.