Situation in Middle East critical, countries should resolve issues through dialogue to avoid war: Qureshi

• Foreign minister says the region is being exposed to a new war.
• Qureshi says Soleimani’s killing could have far reaching consequences as compared to the incidents of Osama Bin Laden and Abu Bakar Baghdadi.
• Conflict between Iran and America will destabilize the region and will affect the peace process between Afghan Taliban and US.

(Karachi) Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the situation in Middle East is critical and if the countries involved in conflicts, does not resolve issues through dialogue, the region will become a battle ground.

Addressing the Senate session over US, Iran conflict in Islamabad on Monday, Qureshi said the situation of Middle East is getting worse and matters can only be resolved by keeping in view the reality and facts. “The region is being exposed to a new war.”

Qureshi said Pakistan's soil will not be used against any state nor it will become part of any  conflict. He said Pakistan has good relations with other countries and will play role to diffuse tensions and conflicts among the countries.

He said Pakistan stands on its principles and will obey them at all costs.

He added there are several issues in the region that need to be resolved. He said it is in the best interest of the states to resolve issues through dialogue in a bid to maintain peace and stability in the region.

He added, “On December 27, American troops were attacked in Iraq. An American Consulate was also attacked in Baghdad.”

He said on January 3, Iranian General Qassim Soleimani was killed in a drone attack by United States in Iraq. He said the US termed Soleimani as the mastermind behind the attacks on consulate and troops.

The foreign minister maintained after the killing of Iranian commander thousands of people took to streets and participated in the funeral of the slain general.

He said the situation is still evolving and critical. “This incident could have far reaching consequences as compared to the incidents of Osama Bin Laden and Abu Bakar Baghdadi.

He pointed out the analysts are viewing the whole situation and term it as one of the critical in the history of the Middle East.

Shah Mehmood said the conflict between the countries could result in further deterioration of the situation in the region. He said the use of power under the current circumstances will result in further destruction and affecting peace in the region.

He said the supreme leader of Iran has already pledged to take revenge of General Qassim Soleimani’s killing. On the other hand, he said the US claimed responsibility of Soleimani’s killing terming it a revenge for targeting American troops and citizens.

He said the conflict between Iran and America will destabilize the region and will affect the peace process between Afghan Taliban and United States. "Iran should exercise wisdom and try to de-escalate the situation," he remarked.

He said Pakistan will approach the European Union and discuss the matter for its resolution. He urged the international community to play role to end the conflict and save the region from destruction.