news details |
|
|
| Pak offers joint probe | | | AGENCIES
Islamabad, December 2: Close on the heels of the US asking it to lend "absolute" cooperation to New Delhi over the Mumbai attacks, Pakistan today proposed formation of a joint investigating mechanism with India to probe the deadly terror strikes that have sparked tension in bilateral ties.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi made the offer during a brief broadcast on the state-run PTV.
He said terrorists "must not be allowed to undo the gains made" in the Composite Dialogue process towards confidence building between the two sides.
Qureshi's remarks came a day after US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that she did not want to jump to any conclusions on who is involved in the attacks "but this is the time for a complete, absolute, total transparency and cooperation and that is what we expect (from Pakistan)." She is all set to visit India on Wednesday (December 3rd).
Responding to India's demarche seeking action by Pakistan against elements linked to the terror attacks in Mumbai that killed nearly 200 people, Qureshi said, "Islamabad is ready to extend a hand of cooperation and assist in every way in tracing the perpetrators of the strikes".
He proposed the formation of a "joint investigating mechanism and a joint commission". Pakistan is ready to "compose a team to help India in the investigations", he said.
"Who is the enemy? We have to cooperate to overcome the menace and Pakistan is ready for that," he said in Urdu.
Qureshi added, "I would like to tell the people that there is no cause for worry. The government and armed forces of Pakistan are united and capable of defending the country's borders, territory and interests."
Pakistan government's stand is "balanced, measured and conciliatory" and both countries must show "seriousness and cooperation," Qureshi said, adding there should be "no blame-game or finger-pointing" as the current situation does not allow it.
A Foreign Office statement said Qureshi had spoken of the proposal to form a joint investigating mechanism during a meeting with envoys of UN's P-5 countries, EU members and a select group of other nations to brief them on Pakistan's position regarding the Mumbai attacks.
"Pakistan has proposed to India that a Pakistan-India Joint Commission, suitably composed, be set up to work together on the Mumbai incident.
"The Commission could be co-chaired by the National Security Advisors of both the countries and meet as early as possible for exchange of information and discussions on mutual cooperation in this regard," the statement said.
Pakistan believes that both sides should work together to reduce tension and continue our constructive engagement in a comprehensive manner, Qureshi told the envoys.
He said the two countries had made "significant progress in the composite dialogue process towards confidence building".
"Terrorists must not be allowed to undo the gains made. We are convinced that continuation of the peace process and the Composite Dialogue is in the larger interest of the people of the two countries."
"Allegations by Indian media about complicity of Pakistan in the Mumbai incident are strongly refuted."
Qureshi also told the envoys that Pakistan had condemned the terrorist attacks "in the strongest possible terms" and reiterated "the assurances of our utmost cooperation and assistance to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act of terrorism to justice".
Describing terrorism as a "major challenge of our times", he said both Pakistan and India "have suffered from indiscriminate violence".
"Pakistan and India must enhance their coordination and cooperation in combating terrorism whether perpetrated by individuals, groups or non-state actors. Serious, sustained and pr agmatic engagement that is multi-tiered and comprehensive is warranted," he said. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
