Pakistan Calls For Territorial Integrity Of Syria

Islamabad, Aug 24, IRNA -- Pakistan on Thursday called for territorial integrity of Syria. The Foreign Ministry spokesman expressed concern over the situation in Syria and opposed any action which can affect its territorial integrity. Pakistan will continue to maintain diplomatic relations with Syria and its mission there is fully functional, the spokesman Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry said at a press briefing. TENSION WITH INDIA: The spokesman said Pakistan will pursue policy of restraint‚ responsibility and dialogue with India for the larger interest of peace in the region, urging the neighboring country to reciprocate its approach. The statement came amid the current escalations along the Line of Control, the de facto border between the nuclear rivals in the disputed Kashmir region, which have caused casualties of troops of both countries. Both countries accuse each other of violating the 2003 ceasefire. The Spokesperson urged India to stop what he called “ceasefire violations and other provocations”. He voiced concerns over the Wednesday’s violation in Line of Control‚ in which one army officer was killed and injured other. Pakistan Wednesday summoned the Indian deputy high commissioner and registered Pakistan's protest and concern over the incident. “Pakistan's desire for peace should not be construed as its weakness and made it clear that the country's people and institutions are capable of defending its territory and interests. Our peace overtures are essentially in the interest of the region and the two countries,” Chaudhry said. When asked about the doubts surrounding the meeting between the prime ministers of two countries in New York‚ the spokesman did not give a direct reply and said the leadership of Pakistan is prepared to use that occasion to build confidence and remove the trust deficit. “All channels of communications should remain open as suspension of dialogue will serve the objectives of those who do not want peace,” the Pakistani spokesman said. He said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has also offered to further strengthen the channels of communications to remove the existing trust deficit. When asked about recent Indian allegations that Pakistan is behind the killing of five Indian soldiers along the line of control‚ he said Pakistan is not involved in the incident and the same have been conveyed to the Indian authorities after investigation. “Pakistan has been suffering from the menace of terrorism and it could not be held responsible for any terror act.” He said Pakistan has adopted constructive and positive approach and hoped all the channels of communication will be optimally utilized for the purpose of peace. AFGHAN KARZAI’S VISIT: To a question regarding the visit of Afghan President Hamid Karzai to Islamabad‚ the spokesperson said the Afghan president is expected to visit Pakistan in the last week of this month. Both the sides are currently working on the exact date. The visit of the Afghan president will provide an opportunity to hold discussion on further strengthening of bilateral relations. Emphasis of talks will be on the Afghan reconciliation process. He said Pakistan has always offered support and assistance in advancing the Afghan reconciliation process./end