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Spokesperson Briefings

Date: 22/05/2006

RECORD OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE FOREIGN OFFICE SPOKESPERSON ON 22 May 2006

Opening Statements

Statement on Afghanistan

There have been repeated statements from the Afghan side blaming Pakistan for the conflict in Afghanistan. It is alleged that infiltration by remnants of Taliban is taking place from Pakistan. The fact is that the conflict situation has continued in Afghanistan for many years. The killing of scores of people in skirmishes in different parts of Afghanistan in the recent days points to the continuation of this situation. That Taliban are operating inside Afghanistan is evident from their involvement in these skirmishes and also from their statements made in Afghanistan.

The Afghan Government's failure to deal with the situation cannot be placed at Pakistan's door. Pakistan has itself been a victim of the conflict in Afghanistan for over a quarter of a century. We have looked after more than 4 million Afghan refugees. We are still host to close to 3 million Afghan refugees. We have repeatedly said that we would like to see these refugees return to Afghanistan. It is the responsibility of the Afghan Government to create conditions so that the refugees can return to Afghanistan.

The unfortunate situation in Afghanistan has compounded over the years. Apart from Taliban, the war-lords continue to wield influence. The problems of drugs and gun-running remain acute causing problems for neighbors. Responsible observers who have been involved in the Afghan situation believe that the ongoing conflict is due to the weakness of Afghan institutions and not because of Pakistan. These accusations only show frustration at not being able to address the internal security situation.

Pakistan is also suffering the consequences of infiltration by terrorist elements from Afghan side. Elements hostile to Pakistan are using Afghan territory with impunity to carry out terrorist acts on our territory. For interdicting such undesirable acts including the supply of weapons, Pakistan has consistently made suggestions. These include: increased coordination within the framework of the Trilateral Commission; prompt intelligence sharing; fencing of the international border; and serious endeavours for the return of all refugees

We also recently proposed regular meetings at the Foreign Ministers level.

On its part, Pakistan has deployed more than 80,000 troops on its western border, conducted over 75 operations and established 800 border posts. We have done more than any other country to fight terrorism. More of our soldiers have sacrificed their lives than both the Afghan and ISAF troops combined. The situation poses a difficult challenge but we are dealing with it in the best possible manner. We expect the same degree of commitment from the other side.

The present situation in Afghanistan can only be addressed through a political process. This was the purpose of the Bonn Agreement which Pakistan fully supported and facilitated its implementation. We facilitated the participation of Afghan refugees in the Presidential elections. Pakistan's positive and important role in fulfillment of the Bonn process was acknowledged by Afghan leaders including President Karzai as well as by the international community.

Pakistan desires a stable Afghanistan, which is of vital importance to Pakistan. Blaming Pakistan for the internal unrest in Afghanistan will help no one. Afghan Government has to address this situation politically. The international community has to help reconstruction to strengthen the political process. There is need to step up national reconciliation and encourage all segments of the Afghan society to participate in the political process and create political harmony. We want the Afghan Government to succeed, as that would expedite the return of refugees who remain an enormous burden on our society.

Statement on the issuance of Pakistani Passports to Burmese Muslims resident in Saudi Arabia

With reference to the news item carried by “The News” on May 22, 2006 regarding the issuance of Pakistani Passports to Burmese Muslims resident in Saudi Arabia, it is clarified that restricted validity special passports are issued to Burmese Muslims in pursuance of a 1986 directive of the then President of Pakistan. The policy has been subject to constant review and the issuance of Passports to Burmese Muslims by the Consulate General is in line with Government policy. The implementation of the policy has been monitored through the periodic visits by inspection teams.

On the initiative of the Consul General in Jeddah, the policy is again being subjected to a review and it is expected that an Inter-Ministerial Meeting will be held shortly to formulate specific recommendations in respect of the grant of Pakistani Passports to Burmese Muslims resident in Saudi Arabia.

QUESTION/ANSWER SESSION

- Asked, with reference to the Opening Statement, about the accusations, allegations and blames on Pakistan of interference in Afghanistan causing unrest, and the Kabul's motive behind that campaign, the spokesperson said:

May be it is the frustration at not being able to handle the situation. Other than that what are their motives you have to ask the Afghans.

- When her comments were sought on the observations that there was a view that negative statements were being made because of Abdullah Abdullah's influence. However the negative statements continued even after his exit in the same tone and tenor, the spokesperson said:

I do not think there was any view in the government that the negative statements were because of Mr. Abdullah Abdullah. But the point is that we are not responsible for what is happening in Afghanistan. It is the internal situation and the Afghan government has to deal with the unrest.

- When her comments were sought on the Siachen dispute, the spokesperson said:

Some ideas were exchanged between Pakistan and India on the issue of Siachen. And it was on the basis of those ideas that the Indian Prime Minister made a very positive statement on this subject. I am not going to get into a discussion on the comments made by the Indian leadership on the Siachen dispute on different occasions. That is their internal matter. But I would say that there have been discussions between the two countries on this issue. We are approaching these talks with all seriousness and we want this issue resolved. I would not prejudge the outcome of the talks.

- When asked about the latest on Iran-Pakistan-India gas-pipeline project, the spokesperson said:

The talks are continuing. We are working on it and hopefully we would be able to finalize the project soon.

- When her attention was drawn to media reports about Pakistani prisoners rotting in the jails of foreign countries, the spokesperson said:

Yes, Pakistanis are in custody in various countries and we are talking to those governments. This is an issue under the constant attention of the government and is discussed regularly with the concerned countries. This effort of the government has resulted in the release of thousands of Pakistanis from foreign jails. Mostly people in custody are because of visa & immigration rules violations. Sometimes they overstay after the expiry of visa, sometimes it is because of illegal entry or some other violation of local immigration laws. These are not very serious crimes. Different countries have different punishments for these offences and our Missions continue to make efforts for the early release of our people detained under various charges.

- When asked to share the status of investigation and details of the Swiss visa scam and whether the Swiss Embassy had been closed, the spokesperson said:

The Embassy has not been closed. The Swiss Government has decided to replace the entire Embassy and the Karachi Consulate staff and the new people have already applied for visa. We are keen that the Swiss mission resumes its normal functions as soon as possible and we have been assured that the Swiss government also wants to do that. They have already approached our Embassy in Bern for visas and they are preparing to come to Pakistan. As far as investigations are concerned, they are continuing.

- When asked about the reason behind the change of ambassador in Washington and also the absence of Ambassador Jahangir Karamat from Islamabad at the time of President Bush's visit, the spokesperson said:

Former ambassador to the US, General (R) Jahangir Karamat has done an excellent job. He is highly respected in Pakistan and in the US. He has made tremendous contribution to Pakistan-US relations.

As regards your query on why he did not come to Islamabad during President Bush's visit; first of all, he was invited to come. However, there were a number of initiatives on which we were working and which you may have seen in the Joint Statement. These were coordinated and negotiated in Washington by Ambassador Jehangir Karamat and he could not get a flight to be here in time for the visit. He did inform the Ministry about that.