Information Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the government was considering re-engagement strategy in the light of the decisions of the Defence Cabinet Committee (DCC) by taking all political parties on board. "The Federal Cabinet's decision not to participate the Bonn conference on Afghanistan's future reflects national sentiments and is a turning point in the foreign policy of the country," she said, adding.
"It is futile to be part of a conference seeking Afghanistan's sovereignty when your own sovereignty is breached." Talking to reporters at a local hotel on Tuesday night, Dr Firdous said the present democratic government would never compromise on the national prestige, security and sovereignty, as Pakistan's sovereignty comes first. She said the Cabinet had referred the DCC decisions to the 17-member Parliamentary Committee on National Security to give its final recommendations. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani will take the nation into confidence in the light of the recommendations of the parliamentary committee during the joint-sitting of the parliament, she added. She said Director General Military Operations (DGMO) would brief the cabinet during its next meeting.
When asked about dialogue with Nato on the issue of attack in Mohmand Agency, she said: "We can't live in diplomatic isolation in the modern era." She added that Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani had called up all political leadership to consult on the Nato aggression against the country. To a query, she said: "It was time to make the international community realise that Pakistan had played a pivotal role for durable peace and stability in the region, but its territorial integrity was assaulted through unilateral action."

Copyright Business Recorder, 2011

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