India-Israel nexus poses threat
Local, Pakistan Monday, August 10th, 2009Pakistan said India-Israel nexus had posed serous threat to regional security, adding the countries of the region should demonstrate utmost circumspection on this count in the wake of prevailing nuclear environment of the region.
This was said by Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit in his exclusive interview here Sunday. He went on to say Pak-US strategic collaboration was gaining momentum in war against terrorism. Drone attacks had caused more damage than benefit to Pakistan. Dialogue was the best way to stop these attacks, he added. However, no accord existed between Pakistan and the US with regard to drone attacks, he held. “Due to our close collaboration with the US in war on terror, we can devise solution to the problems through positive diplomacy as no other option is left with us,” he remarked. The issue of drone attacks would, however, be resolved, he hoped.
“We don’t want presence of the US and NATO forces in the region for a longer period. The situation which arose from withdrawal of Russian forces from Afghanistan created more difficulties for Pakistan. Therefore, the forces’ pullout in haste is not correct. We don’t want another civil war on the soil of Afghanistan,” he underlined.
Responding to a question on infiltration into Pakistan territory from Afghanistan, he said there was such a territory in Afghanistan as was not under the control of Afghan government. There were several training camps operating in Afghanistan which were not in the knowledge of Afghan authorities and this had led to proliferation of problems for Pakistan, he maintained.
About water dispute with India, he said India was allowed to build dams under the Indus Water Treaty. However, it was binding on India to abide by the laws. India had worked out designs of new dams against the design rules. The problems of Baglihar dam, Kusanganga hydal power and Wuller barrage were of very serious nature. However, solution to problems lies in dialogue rather than war.
Regarding Kashmir issue, he said resolution of Kashmir issue was directly linked to future of people of Kashmir. Therefore, Pakistan could not budge even an inch from its stance on this issue. This would be at the top of agenda of prospective composite dialogue process, he added. Kashmir problem be addressed in line with UN resolutions and as per aspirations of Kashmiris, he stressed. It was vital for resolution of Kashmir issue that a lasting solution should be ensured in this respect, he added.
Delinking terrorism from dialogue in Sharm El Sheikh Declaration was a good omen, he said adding dialogue was the only option for normalization of relations between Pakistan and India and prosperity and development of the region. “We will have to sit across the negotiation table soon to evolve solution to outstanding problems on top priority basis,” he observed.
He went on to say Indo-China relationship would have no negative impact on Sino-Pak friendship, he noted. “Ahead of riots in its province Sinkiang, China had informed us about interference of certain Pakistani non-state actors. Certainly, there were some elements who wanted to undermine Sino-Pak ties at the behest of foreign forces. Such elements were enemies of both Pakistan and China. We will together eliminate them. Pakistan soil would never be allowed to be used against China,” he said.
He said massive purchases of traditional defence equipment and proliferation of nuclear arms by India had upset balance of power in South Asia, he underlined. “We are concerned over the domination of India in traditional and nuclear arms. However, minimum nuclear deterrence would be maintained in the region for lasting peace in the region, he announced.
On civil nuclear technology treaty between the US and India, he said Pakistan supported peaceful use of nuclear technology. However, civil nuclear technology should also be provided to Pakistan on the basis of equality with India as power crisis was deepening day by day in Pakistan, he added. Civil nuclear technology accord would provide more material to India for expansion of its nuclear programme, he voiced fears.
Regarding talks between Pakistan and European Union (EU), he said Pakistan wanted to go for free trade agreement (FTA) with EU besides seeking access for its products to European markets. Talks were underway in this respect.
About Pakistan-France civil nuclear pact, he said strategic talks were in progress in this respect. When all the matters are settled, Pakistan, Afghanistan civil nuclear accord would be signed in December on the eve of French President’s visit to Pakistan, he added.
He said the countries which had signed NPT should abide by the agreement. Pakistan wanted Iran and North Korea should also adopt soft posture in this respect and abide by international laws, he added. He warned any attempt to conduct surgical strikes on Pakistan soil could prove fatal.
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on Aug 10 2009. Filed under