Pakistan on Wednesday appreciating the efforts of United States to hold Middle East Peace Conference said that it is positive development and expressed the hope that it will work towards reaching an early agreement on a just resolution of the Palestine issue.
"Pakistan believes that the resolution of the Palestine issue is essential for ensuring peace and stability and alleviation of sufferings in the Middle East," said Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq in his weekly briefing.
About Pakistan's participation in the Middle East Peace Conference held in Annapolis, Maryland, USA on the invitation of US Secretary of State, the spokesman said, Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan represented Pakistan in the conference. Spokesman said the Foreign Secretary in his statement welcomed the holding of conference and termed it a positive development.
Answering a question, the spokesman said Pakistan did not undermined the conference by sending Foreign Secretary to the conference. He said Pakistan is satisfied with the out come of the conference that at least there has been consensus to continue the talks on the vital issue of Palestine. Answering a question about suspension of Pakistan's membership to Commonwealth, the spokesman said, although Pakistan is reviewing its policy towards Commonwealth.
He however said there will be no material loss to Pakistan due to suspension of its membership from Commonwealth, and the only loss is that Pakistan will not attend the meetings of this important forum. The spokesman said scholarships, sports and other activities with Commonwealth members will continue.
Appreciating the stance of Sri Lanka in Commonwealth, the spokesman said a pro-Pakistan group has been established in Sri Lankan Parliament comprising 30 members and the President of Sri Lanka is head of this group. He said this group indicates that Pakistan has very close and friendly relations with Sri Lanka.
Answering a question about Pakistan's policy against war on terror and leaving the office of Chief of Army Staff by President Musharraf, the spokesman said there will be no change in Pakistan's stance and efforts in this war against terrorism.
He said, "There will be no shift in Pakistan's policy (towards war against terrorism) as it has nothing to do with the issue of uniform of President Musharraf." On the question of latest development in the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI), the spokesman said it is in the process of technical talks and next round of these talks will be held very soon.
About the question of Iran's nuclear issue, the spokesman said Pakistan is of the view that the reports and findings of IAEA are credible and should be accepted by the international community. Replying to a question about the five opening points across the Line of Control in Kashmir with India, the spokesman said three are fully operational and many Kashmiris have been using these points to meet their relatives across the LoC.
He said two points, out of these five, were not operating, one of them due to damage bridge at Tatapani while Haji Pir has not infrastructure. Answering a question about any disturbance between dialogue process between Pakistan and India due to political process in Pakistan, the spokesman said there is no indication of postponement of the scheduled talks between the two countries.
Replying to a question about issuing licences for hunting of Houbara Bustard to rulers of some friendly countries, the spokesman said it is very old practice.
He said licences for hunting are being issued for specified period in the limited area and it did not disturb the breeding of these precious species. He said it is a game and going on for many years and Pakistan is giving licences to friendly countries. He said Pakistan also encouraging artificial breeding of Houbara Bustard in the country.