Spokesman Briefings

Date: 05/06/2008

Record of the Press Briefing on 05 June 2008

Opening Statement

PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO SAUDI ARABIA 6-8 JUNE 2008

The Prime Minister of Pakistan will undertake an official visit to Saudi Arabia from 6-8 June 2008. This will be the Prime Minister's first bilateral visit.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy special relations, which are rooted in common faith, mutual trust, common understanding and an abiding interest in each others' security, stability and well being of the people. Frequent high level contacts are the hallmark of these fraternal relations.

The Government and people of Pakistan hold the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al Saud, the Government and the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in high esteem and deeply appreciate their services for the Islamic Ummah and in particular for the excellent arrangements made for the pilgrims.

During the visit to Saudi Arabia the Prime Minister will hold talks with the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Sultan bin Abdul Aziz on all matters of common interest and in particular to further strengthen the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

During the visit the Prime Minister will also address the Pakistani community in Jeddah.

Foreign Minister's visit to Afghanistan

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi will pay a day long visit to Kabul on 6 June 2008 on the invitation of Afghan Foreign Minister Rangin Dadfar Spanta.

The Foreign Minister will hold talks with the Afghan Foreign Minister who will also host a lunch for Foreign Minister Qureshi.

Foreign Minister Qureshi will call on President Hamid Karzai and Speaker National Assembly (Wolesi Jirga) Mohammad Yunus Qanoni.

Foreign Minister Qureshi will discuss matters of bilateral interest and regional and international issues with the Afghan leadership.

Foreign Minister's visit to Paris

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi will visit Paris on 10-14 June to attend the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan . The Paris Conference is being held as a sequel to London 's Afghanistan Compact (31 January – 1 February 2006). On margins of the Conference the Foreign Minister will meet his counterparts from other countries.

The Foreign Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with senior functionaries of the French Government and interact with the media.

Questions/Answers

Q: Will the Foreign Minister take up the issue of repatriation of Afghan refugees with the Afghan authorities during his visit to Afghanistan ?

A: The issue of return of Afghan refugees is a common issue between Pakistan , Afghanistan and UNHCR. It is always current.

Q: What is the update on UN probe into Shahadat of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto?

A: Pakistan 's Permanent Representatives to the UN Ambassador Munir Akram is taking it up with the United Nations. Subsequently the Foreign Minister will visit New York to meet the Secretary General and senior officials of the Security Council member countries.

Q: It appears that Indus Water Commissioners talks between Pakistan and India were not successful. What are the consequences of failure of talks?

A: The recent meeting between the Indus Water Commissioners was the annual meeting which finalized the last years' (1 st April 2007-31 March 2008) report for submission to the two governments. Some important conclusions reached during this meeting include:

• India would provide advance information in the monsoon season about discharge of flood water. It will be done by telephone and through thrice daily broadcasts by Radio Jammu. This will be done between 1 July to 10 October 2008. It will help in disseminating advance information on floods to the general public in Pakistan .

• The number of meetings to be held next year was agreed.

• Baglihar Dam's inspection by Pakistan will be arranged by India before it is commissioned. The inspection will determine if the design changes suggested by the neutral experts were implemented.

• Kishan-Ganga Dam will be inspected by Pakistan and Nelum-Jehlum power project by India . This will be discussed in the third week of July 2008.

We believe the Indus Basin Treaty mechanisms are working reasonably well and it is in the interest of both sides to remain within the parameters of the Treaty.

Q: What is the significance of large number of visits of US legislators to Pakistan last week and their statements on restoration of Judges?

A: The Congressional Delegation, Codels, embark upon international visits during the Congressional recess. The Codels visiting Pakistan in recent days were in context of Memorial Day break. Like all other politicians in the world, the US legislators also express their views freely.

Q: Will Pakistan-Afghanistan Jirga issue be high on agenda during the visit of the Foreign Minister of Pakistan?

A: After the meeting of the current Jirga it was decided to form a mini-Jirga or Jirga-gai , Pakistan will be nominating 25 members of Jirga–gai. We do not see there is any problem with holding the meeting of Jirga-gai. We also have no problem in discussing this with the Afghan side.

Q: Can the Embassies housed in residential sectors of Islamabad be relocated to the Diplomatic Enclave? Is enough space available for them in the Enclave?

A: Area of the existing Diplomatic Enclave is 788 acres. There are 82 embassies in Islamabad . 64 embassies have been allotted land in the Diplomatic Enclave. 25 have already constructed their buildings while others are at various stages of construction or have not started construction as yet. An extension of the existing Enclave is being developed over an area of 784 acres. A presentation was arranged for the interested Missions last month to share information regarding the planned extension. Some 20 embassies have shown interest in relocating to the new Diplomatic Enclave. The Foreign Office encourages foreign missions to shift to the Diplomatic Enclave and would facilitate them in the process. The Enclave have all the facilities required for operations of foreign missions. The decision to acquire a plot in the Diplomatic Enclave or build a structure there is the prerogative of the concerned embassies and their governments.

Q: Admiral Mullen's second visit to Islamabad in quick succession and the fact that everybody was so tight lipped about it indicates that there might be some increasing US pressure for getting special facilities for their troops in the tribal areas. Your comments please?

A: The visits from the armed forces are handled under a certain operating procedure which also includes guidelines and sharing information with the media. Admiral Mullen's visit was no different in this regard. It was neither more nor less tight lipped. Pakistan has very clear position on actions on Pakistan side of the border which is the sole responsibility of Pakistani troops. US, ISAF or Afghanistan forces can be stationed and take whatever action they want on the Afghanistan side of the border.

Q: How can the deadlock over the transit fee issue between Pakistan and India for IPI gas pipeline be resolved?

A: We believe that by following prevalent international practices we can find the best solution to the issue of transit fee.

Q: Are there any chances that Pakistan and Afghanistan will speak with one voice this time during the Paris Conference?

A: In Paris Conference Pakistan and Afghanistan will work very closely with each other as announced by the Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi during the Afghan Foreign Minister's visit to Islamabad last month.

Q: When will the President visit Turkey ?

A: I have no information about President's visit to Turkey .

Q: Will the issues of Bajour attack and drone flights be discussed with the Afghan side during the upcoming visit of the Foreign Minister?

A: You must have heard the Foreign Minister's statement made in the Parliament a couple of hours ago. The Foreign Minister will discuss the issue in Kabul .

Q: What is the latest on the issue of Ansar Burney's deportation from India ?

A: Ansar Burney was denied entry in India due to an outdated ‘Lookout Notice'. Our High Commission in New Delhi has raised this issue with New Delhi . We understand that Indian Government has cleared the issue with Mr. Ansar Burney since.

Q: Al-Qaeda has taken responsibility for the attack at the Danish Embassy. Your comments please?

A: I have heard the news just before coming down stairs for the conference. I am not in a position to comment on such statements.

Q: Will there be any new information on investigations into the A.Q. Khan's case especially after his recent revelations?

A: As far as international investigation in the A.Q.Khan issue is concerned, that is a closed chapter. Pakistan has shared with IAEA and other international interlocutors all the relevant information. This is a closed chapter now from the international angle.

Q: Do you think that Pakistan 's standing in the international community be negatively affected because of the recent visits of US Senators?

A: No, the visit by important foreign dignitaries does not negatively affect the standing of a country in the international community.

Q: What is the mandate of investigators who have come from Denmark after the bomb explosion in front of the Danish Embassy?

A: A delegation from Denmark arrived in Islamabad yesterday. They are assessing damage to the Embassy premises, interacting with our law enforcement agencies and will condole with the families of victims on behalf of the Danish government. The delegation, which contains diplomats and support staff, is not here for any investigation as such.

Q: Will Ambassador Tariq Azizuddin resume his duties in Afghanistan or will someone else replace him?

A: Tariq Azizuddin is already in Kabul and has resumed his duties.

Q: Pakistan 's peace talks in Tribal Area have come under criticism by international community. How do you address these concerns?

A: The Government of Pakistan is fully committed to countering terrorism with the support of people of Pakistan . We are pursuing a multi-pronged strategy against terrorism which combines political, socio-economic and military elements. A strong implementation mechanism is part of these negotiations. The Government believes that military action alone will not be effective in permanently ending the menace of terrorism. Our aim is to isolate the hardcore terrorists and extremist elements. Peace talks in Waziristan are conducted with tribal elders and notables. The tribes themselves were seeking these negotiations. Political engagement is possible only with those who renounce militancy and violence; don't allow the use of our territory against any other country; and do not help foreign terrorist elements to find hideouts in our territory. We feel that the use of force alone can lead to self perpetuating violence. However, the determination to use force, where required, remains an importan t element of our strategy. The armed forces are not withdrawing from South Waziristan . They are being repositioned in order to enhance logistic agility and effectiveness of action. Peace in FATA will ensure access to the Government to engage in socio-economic development of the area. Our international partners are being kept informed. A number of countries have expressed understanding for this policy. We are briefing others.

Q: What is the composition of the delegation which is accompanying the Prime Minister during his visit to Saudi Arabia ?

A: I do not have information about the delegation. However, I am aware that the Foreign Minister will accompany him.

Q: Pakistan was contesting elections to Human Rights Council and International Labour Organization. What was the outcome of our candidatures?

A: On 21 st May 2008, Pakistan was re-elected to Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2008-2011 and on 2 nd June 2008 Pakistan was elected as member of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Pakistan 's election on these two bodies is very significant.

HRC

• Election to Human Rights Council was the result of a vigorous and coordinated campaign launched by Pakistan 's Mission to the United Nations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistani Embassies abroad. Pakistan 's re-election to HRC reflects the renewed international confidence in Pakistan , following the restoration of democracy in the country.

• This success was all the more important since it was achieved in the face of insidious campaign conducted by certain organizations against Pakistan 's election

• Pakistan looks forward to continuing its active contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights all over the world, especially right of the people to development and economic and social prosperity as well as political and civil freedom.

ILO

• Pakistan has consistently been a member of the ILO's Governing Body since 1990. This is the highest Executive Forum with in the organization which takes decisions on ILO's policy and adopts conventions on labour standards throughout the world.

• Pakistan lays highest importance to the improvement of labour situation and provision of decent working conditions for all. Pakistan is actively seeking improvement of its labour sector through cooperation and coordination with ILO.

Q: Is it correct that Pakistan has invited Mirwaiz Umer Farooq for a visit? When will this visit take place?

A: Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi has extended an invitation to Mirwaz Umer Farooq to visit Pakistan . Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, leading a delegation of All Parties Hurriyat Coneference, is expected to visit Pakistan on 21-25 June 2008.

Q: What are your comments on Shyam Bhatia's allegation that the former Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto was involved in smuggling nuclear data to North Korea ?

A: The author has concocted an absurd story about Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed. Mr. Bhatia, the author of the bizarre story, is not new to writing speculative stories slandering Pakistan and its nuclear programme. We do not consider the specious story worth any further comments.