Govt to raise drone attacks issue at UN: FO

Foreign Office Spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry was briefing media in Islamabad.

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Pakistan has started preparations to raise the issue of drone attacks at the United Nations in accordance with the recommendation of the recently held all parties conference (APC), Foreign Office spokesperson said on Thursday.
Aizaz Chaudhry said necessary directives have been issued to the Pakistani missions in New York and Geneva.
The spokesman rejected any agreement with the United States on the use of drone attacks and said these violate our territorial sovereignty and integrity. He adds drone strikes are counterproductive against the forces of terrorism and extremism.
He said the international community has also supported Pakistan s stance on drone attacks.
Regarding the recent release of Afghan prisoners, he said Pakistan has decided in principle to release prominent Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Baradar at an appropriate time.
He said Islamabad has so far released thirty-three Taliban detainees including seven in recent days with the objective to contribute to Afghan reconciliation process. He said the purpose is to allow these elements to join the mainstream reconciliation process.
He said Pakistan believes that the Afghan reconciliation process will succeed only if all the stakeholders are able to participate in it.
The spokesman said Pakistan government‚ the concerned authorities in Afghanistan and the United States are in touch with one another on the release of Taliban prisoners.
Responding to a question‚ the spokesman said Pakistan will not interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan and extend all out support and assistance for the success of reconciliation process there. He said we support a political solution that is Afghan owned and Afghan led.
On Pakistan-India relations‚ the spokesperson said Advisor on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz will hold talks with Indian external affairs minister Salman Khurshid in Kyrgyzstan tomorrow (Friday) on the sideline of Shangahi Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting. Both the leaders will discuss bilateral relations.
About the proposed meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh in New York‚ the spokesman said both the governments are in touch to work out the date. This meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to the two sides to discuss matters of mutual interests.