–US State Dept says it stands by claim that secy of state had raised terror havens issue with newly-elected PM in congratulatory phone call
–Qureshi says State Dept handout ‘not representative of facts’, Secretary Pompeo expressed wish to engage constructively with new govt
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday asserted that the US State Department handout on a phone call between Prime Minister Imran Khan and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo a day earlier which mentioned terrorists operating in Pakistan “is not representative of the facts”.
A readout on the PM Khan-Pompeo phone call issued by the US State Department had said: “Secretary Pompeo raised the importance of Pakistan taking decisive action against all terrorists operating in Pakistan and its vital role in promoting the Afghan peace process.”
Soon after, the Pakistani Foreign Office (FO) had taken exception to the “factually incorrect statement issued by the US State Department” regarding the discussion during the phone call, saying there was “no mention at all in the conversation about terrorists operating in Pakistan”.
Following the FO’s statement, US State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said: “We stand by our readout.”
During the press briefing in Washington, when asked about Pakistan’s call for immediate correction to the readout, Nauert answered that both sides had a “good call”.
“In the readout, the secretary notes that he spoke with the new prime minister and expressed his willingness to work with the new government toward a productive bilateral relationship. They had a good call,” she said. “That may surprise some of you, but they had a good call. Pakistan is an important partner to the United States. We hope to forge a good, productive working relationship with the new civilian government.”
She went on to say that based on her understanding, “the beginning of the call or the call itself was a good call, and a good discussion toward our working with the new government and the new administration”.
When asked again by a reporter if the US government continues to stand by the readout, she said: “We stand by our readout.”
‘STATE DEPT STATEMENT CONTRARY TO FACTS’:
Qureshi, while addressing a briefing at the FO alongside spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal, said that the latter had “presented Pakistan’s stance” regarding PM Khan’s phone call with Pompeo.
“The statement issued by the State Department in which some things have been mentioned is in contrast to the truth,” Qureshi said.
“I was in Multan addressing a gathering, but the foreign secretary wanted to speak to me urgently [regarding the matter]. I told her yes, we must issue an immediate clarification,” he said.
“I will say, yes, their press release mentioning terrorists operating in Pakistan is contrary to the facts.”
“The impression that has been given in their press release, which mentions terrorists operating in Pakistan, is in contrast with reality. And I say this with full confidence.”
“I would also like to say that what conversation took place between Pompeo and PM Khan, you will be surprised to know that it was a very good conversation. He congratulated PM Khan and expressed a wish to engage constructively with the new government. They want a productive bilateral relationship. Wherever our interests converge, we have to proceed accordingly,” Qureshi said.
“I look forward to Pompeo’s visit and to engage with him for peace and stability and look at areas where both countries stand to gain,” the foreign minister added.
PAK-US RELATIONSHIP:
“The strained ties with the US are known to all,” Qureshi told the briefing. “Relations with the US have always seen highs and lows.”
“It is an important bilateral relationship. We briefed the PM that to bring back relations to their former high, we cannot deny Afghanistan’s importance. Their needs will have to be understood for this to be possible.”
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo is set to visit Pakistan on Sept 5, the foreign minister said, adding that the “early interaction will prove beneficial, we believe”.
Qureshi also said: “Peace in Afghanistan is central to peace in Pakistan. President Ashraf Ghani has also sent a positive signal [to Pakistan]. We have to see what role Pakistan can assume.”
SINO-PAK TIES:
The foreign minister said that his Chinese counterpart would be visiting Islamabad on Sept 8.
Describing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as “an important development”, Qureshi said that the participants of the meeting had deliberated over how Pakistan can “benefit to the fullest” from it.
“The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation also brings numerous opportunities, and how Pakistan can benefit has to be analysed,” he said, adding that China-Pakistan friendship is “exemplary”.
INDO-PAK RELATIONS:
“India-Pakistan relations are not hidden from you. We have to see how to proceed. Pakistan is not shy. In the PM’s first address, he had said, ‘You take one step, we will take two,'” Qureshi said. “We have signalled positively towards India. I am thankful to India’s foreign affairs minister who has sent me a congratulatory letter.”
“You need two to tango. You cannot clap with just one hand. We have a positive stance and will remain hopeful.”
Answering to a question, Qureshi said that he had informed his Indian counterpart “that we have no way forward other than dialogue”.
“Whether or not there is any development, we need dialogue. The general atmosphere is improved with dialogue. We need an enabling environment,” he added.
To the journalists, the foreign minister said Indian media helped their government in shaping narratives. “I request you all to help and guide us in building narratives too.”
Urging to present a united front to the world, the seasoned politician said the country needed peace. “Peace is our objective. Stability is our need. Economic development is our priority.”
Qureshi also commented on ties with Iran and Japan. His counterparts from both countries are scheduled to visit soon, he said.
IMRAN VISITS FO:
Qureshi addressed the briefing following a meeting with Prime Minister Khan, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and other senior officials at the FO.
The PM was briefed on the country’s foreign policy and ties with other countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iran, the United States and India, as well as the situation in Kashmir.
PM Khan also provided guidelines to the FO on foreign policy.
Qureshi said that the PM had been presented an overview of foreign policy challenges facing the FO.
“One thing is glaringly obvious ─ We need good representation of our viewpoints at the international level. We need inter-institutional dialogue and consensus.”
“The direction and objectives of our foreign policy ─ our need is peace. Regional peace. We need stability to progress and we need clarity in our objectives.”
Qureshi said that upon his return to the post of foreign minister after seven years, he had observed that “things have changed”.
“There have been realignments,” he explained. “The world has changed. It is different from what it used to be. Pakistan is no longer the darling of the West.”
“Political and economic centres are shifting eastwards. The world is becoming increasingly multi-polar and is no longer uni-polar. A multi-polar world has demands that are different from a uni-polar world,” he observed.
“A liberal world order that had emerged is now under stress. There is rising Islamophobia. Anti-immigrant sentiment is also on the rise as affected Western politics deeply.”
AUSTERITY MEASURES:
Qureshi said that as per the directives issued by the prime minister on the austerity drive, he has decided to not stay in the 5-star hotels during foreign official trips.
“I will try to stay in our embassies wherever possible. The foreign minister has the legal authority to travel first class but I will not do this and will prefer business class travel. We will try to avoid big delegations and have limited entourage,” he said.
The foreign minister said that in view of curtailing unnecessary travel abroad, no minister or secretary will be allowed to travel abroad without the permission of the prime minister.
“We should try to save as much foreign exchange as possible. The objective of this is to evaluate what will be the benefit of travelling abroad to Pakistan. If there is no need to travel abroad it should be avoided,” the foreign minister said.
INTERNATIONAL FORUMS:
The foreign minister spoke of how Pakistan could use international forums to its benefit. He said SAARC is an important forum and Pakistan considered this a good vehicle for regional cooperation. “Unfortunately we have not benefited from it like we should have.”
Qureshi added that while there were several opportunities in the European Union for trade, Pakistan was unable to benefit from the GST plus opportunity.
Foreign Minister Qureshi said Pakistan also needed to look towards Africa. “I have to admit that in the past we have not concentrated on Africa. Today there are several opportunities there. If we are to achieve growth we need to explore African markets.”
When asked why Prime Minister Imran Khan was not attending the UNGA session, Qureshi replied that the prime minister was focusing on internal challenges.
FATF BLACKLIST:
Qureshi told reporters that Pakistan was on the grey-list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), stating that this was not the first time the country was placed on it. The foreign minister said he would be speaking with former finance minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar and seek details from her on the progress and steps Pakistan needed to take to be removed from the list. “I do not want Pakistan to be placed on the blacklist,” he asserted.
