Pakistan on Thursday cautioned that country-specific exceptions in terms of promoting peaceful nuclear co-operation are inherently counter-productive, which is not only a step backward but also has serious implications for regional and global security.
Responding to queries of reporters during weekly briefing regarding France-India nuclear deal, Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit, said "creating exceptions for any country is not only a step backward in terms of promoting peaceful nuclear co-operation, but also has serious implications for regional and global security", adding that such exceptions breeds mistrust and non-co-operation.
He emphasised that there was no alternative to criteria based approaches towards promoting international co-operation, peace and prosperity across the world. When asked for his comments that Pakistan and France relations were on the slide, he did not agree adding that the relations between the two countries were on the upward trajectory. He further added that French President Nicolas Sarkozy was planning to visit Pakistan next year and that will provide a good opportunity to take bilateral relations to new heights.
About the Pakistan's position on the Fissile Material Cut off Treaty (FMCT), he said "Pakistan would never compromise on its legitimate security requirements", adding that Pakistan's position on the issue is based on principles and keeping with our security interests.
The spokesmen repeatedly declined to comments on the diplomatic cables leaked by WikiLeaks particularly about Pakistan and its leadership, saying that these pertain to official communications within the US Government system and the US had alerted Pakistan of the unauthorised leaks. "The Foreign Office is not in a position to confirm their veracity, so it will not be appropriate to comment on the contents of the WikiLeaks", he said.
To another question regarding a leaked US cable about Pakistan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia remarks on Pakistani leadership, the spokesman categorically stated that Pakistan and its leadership are fully cognisant of national interests and there would never be any compromise on national interests.
He said that all the meetings taking place with our leadership by foreign diplomats are being arranged by the Foreign Office. He added that there are laid down procedure and guidelines for meeting with foreign diplomats and Foreign Office cannot issue any directions to politicians on how to conduct themselves. When asked about a leaked US cable about ISI chief's contacts with Israeli counterpart, the Spokesman declined to comment further and said, "we don't recognise Israel, so don't have relations with it".
About Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi visit to India, he said that the visit is contingent upon agreement on the agenda and outcome of the meeting between the two Foreign Ministers adding that during his visit to Pakistan in July this year, Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna had invited Qureshi to visit India.
He hoped that there would be some agreement on agenda items and the outcome of the meeting and the visit would take place early next year. He also rejected Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao's statement declaring Jammu and Kashmir as 'integral part' of India and said "Kashmir is not an 'integral part' of India but awaiting settlement in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions".
He further said that Pakistan was looking forward to resumption of dialogue process so that issues like plight of fishermen are addressed in an effective way. When asked to comment on Indian Home Secretary's remarks regarding Mumbai attack trial in Pakistan as 'misleading', Basit said that Pakistan was seriously pursuing the trail. "Nevertheless, in order for the trial to conclude successfully, Indian co-operation is absolutely essential", he maintained.
He said that India needs to do more on its side by taking practical steps and responding to Pakistan's request in the context of Mumbai trial, rather than casting aspersions on its intentions. About the visit of British Prime Minister David Cameron to Pakistan, the spokesman said that Pakistan and United Kingdom were working on mutually convenient dates for British Prime Minister's visit to Pakistan.
Regarding the participation of Russia in forthcoming meeting of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan forum, he confirmed saying, "yes we are inviting Russia to the meeting", adding Pakistan seeks to have strong relations with Russian Federation as being a major power it can play an important and positive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.