ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday agreed to work together for an immediate cease-fire in Yemen by allowing humanitarian assistance in the war-hit country and initiating an intra-Yemen dialogue. This was agreed during a meeting between the visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and Prime Minister's Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz as the former arrived here for holding talks on the Yemen situation.
The two sides also reached understanding that all stakeholders have to show greater flexibility for ending bloodshed and preparing grounds for serious negotiations to resolve the crisis. Later, speaking at a joint news conference, the visiting Iranian Foreign Minister said that he brought with him a proposal to discuss with Pakistani leadership including an immediate ceasefire, allowing humanitarian assistance and initiating an intra-Yemen dialogue.
"I think there was broad consensus on these issues during the talks," Zarif said, adding the dialogue should be among the people of Yemen and it should be the people of Yemen to decide while "we can only facilitate".
Asked whether he would also sit with Saudi Arabia in relation to these proposals, he said: "We won't sit with Saudi Arabia. Iran, Saudi Arabia and all other countries should only facilitate an intra-Yemen dialogue," he said.
He said that "we need to work together to put an end to the crisis in Yemen," adding the people of Yemen should not suffer from aerial bombardment. He said that "we need a political solution in Yemen leading to an inclusive government through dialogue among the people of Yemen."
"For that, you need to stop the aerial bombardment, announce an immediate ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid," he said, adding the immediate solution through political dialogue was also necessary and the al Qaeda has already started to take benefit of the situation and the militant outfit has already taken some areas.
"Iran wants ceasefire, humanitarian assistance, intra-Yemeni dialogue and a broad-based government...Iran is willing to help realise this objective if asked," he said, adding Pakistan and Iran will work together for greater unity in the Islamic world.
About Pakistan-Iran relations, Zarif said that there are a lot of opportunities for the two countries to expand their relations in different spheres, adding trade volume is not as it should be and there is need to increase it significantly.
He said the two countries are also facing common challenges like terrorism and violence. He further said that both Iran and Pakistan have similar stance on the issue of Afghanistan and would facilitate Afghan-owned peace process.
About the border incident in which eight Iranian guards were killed in a terrorist attack, the Iranian Foreign Minister said "we will also work together to avoid such kind of incident." He said they discussed various ways and means to realise this objective and also appreciated Pakistan's co-operation and condolences in this regard.
Earlier, Sartaj Aziz said that the two countries are seriously concerned about the situation in Yemen, adding both the sides agreed that all stakeholders have to show greater flexibility for ending the bloodshed and preparing the ground for serious negotiations to resolve the crisis.
To another question, Aziz said that Russia and Jordan have presented resolutions at the UN Security Council on the Yemeni crisis. He said the Jordanian resolution calls for an embargo on arms supplies, condemnation of efforts for removal of legitimate government of Yemen through force and some kind of disarmament.
To a question whether the government would honour outcome of the parliamentary debate on the Yemen issue, Aziz said the broad consensus in the Parliament is that Pakistan's involvement in internal civil war situation will not be advisable and Pakistan should not participate in any offensive rather should try to mediate, influence and facilitate some kind of peaceful dialogue.
He said as stated by the Prime Minister in the joint session, the government would fully respect in letter and spirit the outcome and recommendations of the Parliament on the Yemeni situation.
However, he added that the parliamentarians are expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its concern about instability in the neighbourhood. "There is a strong commitment to protect and defend, if necessary, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia," he added.
He said that the two sides also agreed that concerted efforts should be made to create unity among the Muslim Ummah.
He said Framework Agreement between Iran and P5 plus one is a welcome development and a comprehensive agreement later would assist in expanding economic and trade relations between the two countries and also help to carry forward the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.
The Advisor said they agreed that a peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan is vital for regional peace and stability. "We will continue to support the reconciliation process, which is Afghan-led and Afghan-owned," he added.
He said they also concurred on the importance of discouraging terrorism and intensified co-operation for the purpose. He said maintenance of tranquillity on border is a strategic interest for both the countries and they agreed to strengthen institutional mechanism for border management and curb cross-border activities. Zarif who arrived on a two-day official visit here Wednesday, would also meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today (Thursday) to hold talks with the Yemen situation.
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