Pakistan handed ‘non-paper’ to Kerry on Iran-Pakistan pipeline

• FO says paper to US official explored whether or not IP project invited sanctions
• Pakistan supportive of reconciliation process in Afghanistan
• Dates proposed for composite dialogue with India

The recent visit of US Secretary of State John Kerry not only allowed for the strategic dialogue between the two countries to resume, but also allowed Pakistan to discuss the stalled Iran-Pakistan pipeline with the top US official.

During the weekly briefing on Friday, Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said Pakistan had presented a “non-paper” over the Iran-Pakistan pipeline to the US delegation.

Talking about US Secretary of State John Kerry’s two-day visit to Pakistan, the spokesman said Pakistan briefed him about its projects related to pipelines, particularly Iran-Pakistan pipeline.

He said the projects were being undertaken to address the acute energy requirements of Pakistan and that the standpoint of Pakistan was conveyed to US in the form of a non-paper.

“Our energy requirements warrant that we explore all possible options, including the Iran-Pakistan pipeline project,” he said.

Chaudhry said that the rationale for giving the non-paper to the US was “to convey our perspective, with particular reference to whether or not this project would attract US sanctions”.

Asked about reports that a civil nuclear deal may be on the cards, the spokesman denied that the subject was discussed during Kerry’s visit. “This was not discussed but as I indicated to you earlier, one of the working groups deals with the strategic stability issues. That is where this subject will be discussed.”

Afghanistan:

The spokesman said the visit had afforded an opportunity to discuss the regional situation with a view to exploring ways of bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan.

“As the US prepares its drawdown in Afghanistan, there is a need to intensify cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan.” To a question about the resumption of dialogue with the Taliban, he said Pakistan would remain engaged with concerned groups to achieve peace in Afghanistan.

“Pakistan has expressed its support for the reconciliation process in Afghanistan, which we believe is an effective way to achieve peace and stability.”

“To this end, Pakistan will remain engaged with the US, Afghanistan, and others concerned and contribute to bringing lasting peace in Afghanistan.”

To a question on al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, who Kerry claimed was violating the sovereignty of Pakistan, Chaudhry replied that Pakistan had always been on the forefront of the fight on terror and would take swift action against terrorists, whenever it came across them.

India

Chaudhry said dates were proposed for two of the eight segments for composite dialogue with India.

“One of the segment relates to the Wullar Barrage while the other to the matter of Sir Creek,” he said, adding that the US expressed its support for the initiative of Pakistan’s leadership to improve ties with India.

He added that a response was yet to be received from India on whether the dates were suitable.

He added that Pakistan was pushing for closer ties with India, including through Track II diplomacy.

“Ambassador Shahryar Ahmed Khan has been nominated by the Prime Minister to pursue this track from our side. We do hope that this track will contribute to the efforts to seek improvement in bilateral relations between Pakistan and India.”

Drone:

On drone attacks inside Pakistani territory‚ Chaudhry said Islamabad had categorically conveyed its concerns on drone attacks to the United States.

He said “our position has been noted” and hoped it would receive due consideration.

The spokesman maintained that drone attacks were in violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and international laws as well as counterproductive in the war against terrorism.

To a query whether the US had offered any assistance in the power sector‚ the spokesperson said the US had already committed to contribute $200 million for Diamer-Basha dam.

Chaudhry said Pakistan’s commitment in the war against terrorism was unwavering and it was against the presence of any terrorist on its soil.