FRIDAY APRIL 10: 'We've said we condemn actions of non-state actors': foreign office

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office stated that Pakistan and Iran have agreed on the need to de-escalate the tense situation in Yemen by encouraging the parties involved in the conflict to initiate dialogue and resolve all their differences through political consultations.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam, in her weekly press briefing, said that Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif's visit was scheduled before the crisis in Yemen erupted.
During the talks with Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, she said that the two sides discussed the entire range of bilateral relations and there was convergence of views on the need to increase political interaction, economic cooperation, enhance cooperation in countering terrorism which affects both the countries.
She stated that the two sides also took the opportunity to discuss the regional situation including Afghanistan and Yemen. On Yemen, the spokesperson said that there was general agreement on the need to de-escalate the situation and encourage the warring factions to move towards dialogue and resolve all their differences through political negotiations.
"We have said that we condemn the actions of non-state actors of overthrowing a legitimate government recognized just not by Pakistan but by the international community and the United Nations," she said, adding we have had consultations with Turkey and Saudi Arabia in this regard.
She said the Prime Minister's statement in the Parliament referred to consultations that have been going on between Pakistan and Turkey and also between Turkey and Iran. The spokesperson further said that there were political consultations with Oman Wednesday and the two sides expressed concern on the situation and emphasised the need for political dialogue for resolution of the crisis.
About the debate going on in the parliament, she said parliamentarians have endorsed what the government has said so far that Saudi Arabia is a friend and a brotherly country of Pakistan and if there is any threat to the two holiest places of Islam, Pakistan will be first to defend them.
She said the lawmakers have also stated that if there is any threat to Saudi Arabia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia. "What has been increasingly mentioned is that Pakistan should not become a party to military operation in Yemen," she said, adding Pakistan's policy is based on the principles that have been outlined in the repeated statements by the government and have also been articulated by parliamentarians.
About procuring US military equipment, she confirmed that Pakistan seeks to procure US military equipment to meet critical gaps in its defence capabilities, adding the proposed equipment will also help the country's campaign against terrorism.
She said Pakistan has longstanding defence cooperation with the US and institutional defence cooperation is carried out through various mechanisms. She said the State Department is completing the US internal process. "We hope the final clearance will come soon. We welcome the notification by the State Department," she said, adding this is recognition of Pakistan's needs in counter-terrorism operation.
To a question, the spokesperson said that US has informed Pakistan about banning a Peshawar-based charity organisation Al-Furqan. She said that the US authorities normally intimate Pakistan when they intend to move a case for proscription under the UN sanctions committee.
"When any entity is listed by the United Nations, it entails obligations on all the members of the United Nations to take action and also freeze their assets, ensure travel ban outside the country and also impose arms embargo," she added.
On the killing of seven Iranian border guards, she said the issue was discussed during the talks between the two countries in the context of countering terrorism, which is a matter of common concern and we are enhancing our cooperation for better border management.
"Our charge d'affaires in Tehran was also conveyed this message," she said, adding Pakistan has asked the Iranian authorities to share any evidence or intelligence that could facilitate investigations by our authorities, if indeed. She said that as per our policy, Pakistan would not allow its territory to be used against any country. "We would take the strongest action if indeed in case these people are found in our territory," she added.
About the visit of Chinese President, the spokesperson said the Chinese President will visit Pakistan this month. However, dates have yet not been finalised, she added. "Pakistan and China are strategic partners and all weather friends. Such high level exchanges are aimed at further strengthening and cementing the bilateral relations," she added.
To a question about relations with India, the spokesperson said that Pakistan remains committed to result-oriented, meaningful and sustainable dialogue process with India for resolution of all outstanding issues including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Regarding the evacuation of Pakistanis from Yemen, she said majority of Pakistanis have been evacuated from the war-hit country and some are still there and that they do not want to leave Yemen.