Russian Citizens Demonstrate Solidarity with Pakistan
'Pakistan Times' Monitoring Desk

MOSCOW (Russia): A small group of young Russian citizens gathered here Friday in front of Embassy of Pakistan holding placards with slogans “Long live Pakistan”.

The rally of youth was to demonstrate their feelings of solidarity and support with the people of Pakistan in the wake of statements by two American presidential hopefuls Democrat Senator Barak Obama and Republican Tom Tancredo threatening to send troops to Pakistani tribal areas in search operation of Al-Qaeda insurgents and attack on Muslim’s holiest cities.

The group of Russian citizens was led by Vladimir Nikitin relating to the Russian branch of Euro-Asian Union of Youth.

These assertions by the US presidential contenders also sparked condemnation and criticism by the Russian intellectuals.

Director of the Centre for the International Researches of the Institute for USA and Canada of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Anatoly Utkin giving his opinion to Daily Vremya Novosti, declared these statements as irresponsible and naive having no grounds.

He said, the presidential candidates are only trying to draw attention by uttering such statements.

The Ambassador of Pakistan in Moscow Mustafa Kamal Kazi, while responding to a question from Daily Kommersant said, ”The Statement made by Barak Obama testifies to fact that he does not know the dynamics and reality of the situation in Pakistan and adheres to extremely simplified approach”.

According to him, if scenario of Barak Obama comes true, it not only will seriously undermine international efforts on struggle against terrorism but also cause new splash of anti-Americanism.

“Pakistan is a sovereign state which will not accept intervention in its affairs. In case of military actions against Pakistan, people of Pakistan will rise to protect their country’, Mustafa Kamal Kazi added.●