Pakistan said on Thursday it had formally conveyed its concerns and raised the Balochistan issue with the US authorities, both in Washington and Islamabad.
“We believe Washington fully understands our position. The matter was clarified by the US State Department on Wednesday,” Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit told reporters at the weekly Foreign Office press briefing.
He said Pakistan’s position on drone attacks was clear. “These attacks are unlawful and unacceptable. Regarding the reopening of the NATO supply routes, our parliamentary process is underway. We are awaiting policy directions from our parliament to move forward,” he said.
To a question about Pakistan voting in support of a resolution on Syria against the Chinese position, he said Pakistan had always underlined the importance of the principles of non-intervention and non-interference in internal affairs of states, respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, respect for human rights, as well as importance of dialogue and reconciliation for accommodation of legitimate aspirations through peaceful means.
“This has been our position regarding Syria as well. There was substantial and substantive amendment to the original draft resolution on Syria, which enabled Pakistan to vote in favour of the draft resolution. As far as China’s veto is concerned, every country has its own valid reasons to vote in favour of or against any draft resolution. It is not for me to comment on why China vetoed that draft resolution. Pakistan–China relations are unique and solid. One should not generalise things on the basis of voting on one Security Council resolution,” he said.
About the impression that the US would disallow the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline, the spokesman said there was no change or shift in Pakistan’s position on the project. “We are looking forward to the completion of the project by 2014. This project is important for us to meet our growing energy requirements. We are therefore, committed to it,” said Basit.
About the foreign minister’s visit to Russia and the Russian interest in the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and CASA-1000 projects, he said Russia was interested in several energy projects in Pakistan. “We hope that there would be some progress in the months ahead,” he said. “They have shown interest in CASA-1000 as well as TAPI.” To a question that the US had indicated that it would not like Russian involvement in any gas project in the region, he said various options were being considered for the TAPI gas pipeline. “Nothing is final yet. Russia is an important country in our common region. They have resources to invest in such projects. We would welcome Russia to participate in this project,” said Basit.
On the increasing US pressure on Iran, he said: “We would like all the issues relating to Iran’s nuclear programme to be resolved peacefully because we cannot afford another conflict in our region. We would always advise restraint and resolution of issues through dialogue.”
Pakistan must break with the US, and NEVER allow american planes and transports, by land or by air through it's territories. Pakistan has an air force, it is fully capable of shooting down the illegal child killing drones. The alternative is that Pakistan will be stabbed in the back and destroyed by America.. the fate of every "friend" of the US and believe it, that is definitely the US agenda. When every last US/NATO/CIA base and personnel is kicked out of that region, Pakistan should join with Afghanistan which is now illegally occupied and with friendly countries like Russia, China and Turkey in trade and military pacts. Only then will Pakistan enjoy peace and prosperity.
USA is exerting pressure onto Pakistan by igniting this debate on international forum and seeking Pakistan assistance in Afghanistan mess on thier own terms
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