Foreign office spokesperson Aizaz Chaudhry. PHOTO: APP/FILE
With the threat of possible military action looming large over Syria, Pakistan on Thursday urged western powers to avoid the use of force to settle the conflict in the volatile middle-eastern state.
Expressing deep concern over the ongoing violence in Syria at his weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry said the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.
“Pakistan has called on all sides to exercise restraint and engage in an inclusive political dialogue to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Syria in keeping with the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people,” he said.
Pakistan is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, which will have a crucial role in authorising any punitive action against Syria. The spokesperson indicated that Pakistan might oppose any resolution seeking military action against Syria.
“Use of force must be avoided at all costs as the people of Syria have already suffered enormously.”
He urged all sides to pursue the policy of restraint and engage in comprehensive political dialogue.
Condemning the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria, the spokesman said it was important to establish facts before any action was taken.
“In this context, Pakistan notes that a United Nations team is conducting an investigation,” he told reporters.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on Thursday said the UN inspectors were expected to complete their investigations by Saturday.
The Syria has denied it is responsible for a suspected chemical attack near Damascus on August 21 which reportedly killed hundreds, and has instead accused rebel forces of carrying out the attack. Despite growing tensions, US President Barack Obama said this week he had not yet decided on a plan for retaliatory action against Syria.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 30th, 2013.
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The blood of Syrians are on the hands of Saudis and Iranians.
we must fight against illegitimate acts by US and today we should condemn expected military adventurism by US in Syria. Brave stance by Pakistan.
@Ariba: So then the government of Syria did it, because their foreign minister confirms that chemical weapons has been used.I agree with you that the government used it.
@csmann: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbfcceEkn_M
But they haven't. 2ndly when Israel used white phosphorous against Palestinians where was everyone hiding? So USA doesn't give any warning to Israel but starts crying on Syria where the rebels(backed by Americans) are loooosing.
If it were the rebels that are using chemical weapons,it should be an acute warning to Pakistan and the world that "terrorists" and other non-state actors can access and get hold of,and use weapons of mass destruction on innocent and ordinary citizens.
The statement of our Foreign Office is correct. No country should be allowed to precipitate the matters which don't have a direct relevance to them. US should stop its war mongering.
No pervez it does not. Even though Pakistan is a non permanent member of the UNSC
@Parvez: "………does it really matter ?" YES, Sir. we Live in ILLUSIONS.
.........does it really matter ?
Following a middle way between Saudi Arabia and China's opposing stances - I think this is better policy line for Pakistan. Other than that it reflects the public sentiments.