No Unilateral flexibility on Kashmir: FO
By Rafique Goraya - Pakistan Times Federal Bureau Chief

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and India will have another meeting in Islamabad on the sidelines of the forthcoming SAARC Council of Ministers conference. The conference will be held on July-20 and July-21.

Replying to questions at his weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan said this would be an important occasion for the Foreign Ministers to exchange views and look at ways to take the dialogue process further.

The spokesman agreed with a questioner that there should be some movement on the reduction of Indian forces and an end to repression in Occupied Kashmir.

Flexibility on Kashmir

To a question about Foreign Minister’s remarks regarding flexibility on Kashmir, he said there is no concept of unilateral flexibility and this has been ruled out by the President himself.

He said when there is a dispute both parties have to demonstrate flexibility. He said during Foreign Secretary level talks, the two sides made a good beginning, exchanging views about future approach in the talks and underlining the need that the process should be sustained in a serious manner.

Consulates in Karachi and Mumbai

About opening of consulates in Karachi and Mumbai, he said modalities are being worked out but no dates have been finalized.

Regarding Indian Defence Minister’s statement over fencing of the LoC, the spokesman said there was no tacit of open understanding between the two countries on fencing.

He pointed out that this is violative of bilateral and international agreements and Pakistan had repeatedly raised the issue with New Delhi. He emphasized that the fencing would not alter the status of the LoC or the disputed status of Kashmir.

Laments Zalmay Khalilzad's Statement

The spokesman expressed disappointment over recent statement by American ambassador in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad alleging that Pakistan is a safe haven for Taliban and Al-Qaeda. He said the provocative statement is not compatible with those of top leadership of the United States.

He said such statements are insulting for people of Pakistan because we are contributing to the war on terrorism with devotion. He said the White House and the State Department should sort out why statements are being made that are likely to hurt our sensibilities and are not helpful in facilitating relations between Pakistan and United States and Pakistan and Afghanistan.

To another question he expressed the hope that electoral process in Afghanistan would be successfully completed. He said there are some difficulties which were pointed out by President Karzai while addressing the NATO meeting. He hoped that Afghans would be in a position to overcome their difficulties and hold elections as soon as possible.

Benefits of ASEAN

Asked about benefits to Pakistan for joining the ASEAN Regional Forum, Mr Masood Khan said it would have a very positive impact on our economy, industry, trade and investment. He described it as a very significant development and success of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Through this membership, Pakistan becomes a participant on dialogue on peace and security in Asia Pacific region.

To another question he said there was no quid pro quo for the release of Amjad Hafeez, who was abducted in Iraq.●