news details |
|
|
| Pak says US attacks against militants on its soil unacceptable | | |
ISLAMABAD, JUL 23 (PTI)
Amid US assertions that Osama bin Laden was hiding in its tribal areas, Pakistan today said Washington's threats of possible attacks against militant hideouts on its soil were "ill conceived" and "dangerous", which would "further complicate" their cooperation in war on terror.
No military action from any other country would be allowed within the territory of Pakistan, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said here, reacting to statements from American officials in the aftermath of the US National Intelligence Estimate, which said bin Laden and others terrorists have found safe havens in tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.
"Pakistan can handle its own requirements of troops. We do not need any other troops from anywhere to come and help. The sovereignty, integrity and security (of the country) is responsibility of Pakistan," Aziz said in a TV interview.
He said Pakistan cooperated with many countries on counter-terrorism operations through dialogue and sharing and exchange of information. "Clearly we cannot allow in Pakistan any group which jeopardises its security and/or security of another country. We are very capable of defending ourselves and securing ourselves. We believe we can handle our responsibilities and continue to cooperate with everybody."
Also, Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said: "We have stated in the clearest terms that any attack inside our territory would be unacceptable."
Any "ill conceived action" inconsistent with principles of international law from any quarter could undermine Pakistan's efforts to deal with militants and would be "deeply resented in the tribal areas and generally in Pakistan. Such action, as we have already stated, will be irresponsible and dangerous," she said.
The remarks of Aziz and Aslam came a day after the Bush Administration said it would use the "most effective action" to contain terrorists operating from Pakistan.
White House Homeland Security Adviser Frances Townsend said that even though the US would be working closely with Islamabad, no options are off the table.
US intelligence chief Mike McConnell also said that bin Laden is alive and sheltering in parts of Pakistan on the border with Afghanistan. The US National Intelligence Estimate earlier pointed out that the al Qaeda is regenerating and has taken on a safe haven in northern areas of Pakistan.
US President George W Bush, in his weekly radio address on Saturday, also noted that al Qaeda leaders have found safe havens in tribal areas.
Reacting to the US officials' statements, Aslam told reporters here that "like any other country, we remain deeply concerned over the possibility of al Qaeda or any other terrorist entity establishing a sanctuary or regrouping or regenerating inside our territory. Our government and our security forces are determined not to permit such a development."
"These terrorists have threatened Pakistan, attacked our security forces, killed innocent civilians and targeted our leadership. We are therefore, combating terrorism in our own interest," she said.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
