Pakistan expresses concern over use of chemical weapons in Syria
Despite the use of chemical weapons the sovereignty of Syria must be respected, says FO.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Pakistan has expressed concern over the use of chemical weapons by Syria government against rebel forces.
Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Ahmed in weekly briefing today said despite the use of chemical weapons the sovereignty of Syria must be respected.
He said Advisor of National Security Sartaj Aizaz will take the Parliament into confidence over the situation in Syria and the Line of Control.
To a question‚ he said Pakistan and India are engaged in track two diplomacy to move forward for resolution of outstanding issues.
He said the government is making all out efforts for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqi.
During the last week’s weekly briefing, Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said India should stop ceasefire violations and other provocations.
Voicing concerns over violation in Line of Control‚ in which one army officer embraced martyrdom‚ the spokesperson said the foreign office summoned the Indian deputy high commissioner and registered Pakistan s protest and concern over the incident.
He said 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 to defend its territory and interests. He said our peace overtures are essentially in the interest of the region and the two countries.
When asked about the doubts surrounding the meeting between the prime ministers of two countries in New York‚ Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said the leadership of Pakistan is prepared to use that occasion to build confidence and remove the trust deficit. He said channels of communications should remain open as suspension of dialogue will serve the objectives of those who do not want peace.
When asked about 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.
He said Pakistan has been suffering from the menace of terrorism and it could not be held responsible for any terror act.
He said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has also offered to further strengthen the channels of communications to remove the existing trust deficit. 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.
