World

Post-embargo: Kerry phones Nawaz to discuss Yemen conflict

Sources say the two leaders discussed two key issues

Abdul Manan April 15, 2015

PHOTO: REUTERS

ISLAMABAD:

Hours after the UN Security Council slapped an arms embargo on Houthi rebels, US Secretary of State John Kerry rung up Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to discuss the worsening crisis in the Arabian Peninsula. The top American foreign policy wizard is said to have encouraged Premier Nawaz to play an active role in resolving the Yemen conflict.

Secretary Kerry’s phone call came a day after Premier Nawaz said that his country would intensify efforts to find a diplomatic solution. “Pakistan will intensify its diplomatic efforts in the coming days, in consultation with the leadership of Saudi Arabia, to resolve the crisis,” he said in a ‘policy statement’.

A brief statement issued from the Prime Minister’s Office said that US Secretary of State John Kerry telephoned Premier Nawaz. “The situation in Yemen came under discussion during the telephone conversation,” it said without giving further details. Sources, however, said that the two leaders discussed two key issues: the UN Security Council resolution on Yemen and Pakistan’s role in developing a regional consensus on Yemen and its support to Saudi Arabia.

In his Monday’s statement, the prime minister reassured the Gulf states, Saudi Arabia in particular, that Pakistan “does not abandon friends and strategic partners, especially at a time when their security is under threat”. He also reiterated his country’s commitment to protect the Saudi territory if it was threatened.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 15^th, 2015.

COMMENTS (9)

Dr.A.K.Tewari | 9 years ago | Reply National inerest is regarded as a paramount factor in shaping the foreign policy of any country . But when the interest of a particular religion is taken in consideration such policy fails to get an universal exceptance . Say for Kashmir issue both India and Pakistan have their own approach . Pakistan came in to existence to get a home land for muslims . Now India have more muslims than them . Demanding Kashmir on the basis of muslim dominated area is no more valid .In contrast to it India regard it as an integral part of Indian union and give emphasis that our democracy rain there .70 % voting is a record . If we retreat then our democratic and secular structure will proved to be fragile . Pakistan have tried her best to snatch Kashmir throgh generating international support for the couse but bitterly faied to do so and finally decided to snatch it on gun point . Her foreign policy based on religious consideration on Yaman will open a new front from where it would be impossible for her get de entangled . Again they are coppeled to Duelity but this time it is not against India but Ummat ....... Mind it

Liaqat Ali | 9 years ago | Reply NS has made a fun of himself by giving into pressure from selfish opposition and especially to IK. He should have interests of Pakistan first . But he is coward and cares about his govt. first . It is difficult to contain the damage now and putting extra efforts is needed to repair damamge to relations with friends in need. Dont send trrops to them but dont humilaite them.

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Dr.A.K.Tewari | 9 years ago | Reply @Aziz , I don't mind if such language comes from Pakistan but can't tolrate when the same comes from an Indian . It is due to the fact that Indian cultural distortion by such people is not acceptable to me and I react bitterly to poke their ancestors resting in the grave .

Parvez | 9 years ago | Reply The fact that Pakistan will ( possibly has ) concede to some extent is understandable........the extent is just not known as yet.

Aziz | 9 years ago | Reply @Proud Pakistani Sir/Madam, The language in any public discourse needs to be civil. We may or may not agree with Dr.A.K. Tewari but he/she has as much right to express them as you have. We must maintain a civil and polite tone in our discussions. I am surprised that ET encouraged something otherwise.

Proud Pakistani | 9 years ago | Reply @Dr .A.K.Tewari: Its better to keep your stupid ideas and appreciation for iran to your self. Islam does't means favour for iran only. Lets see if ET pulishes it but I'm sure it will not after all our media has favouritism and special love for iran only.

Munir Ahmed | 9 years ago | Reply Supplying weapons to Saudi Arabia should also be stopped and condemned with which children, women and public infrastructe is being killed and bombed.

lkhan | 9 years ago | Reply Such interference in our internal affairs is totally uncalled for. Why does the USA not send its troops/air power and frigates to support the Saudi authoritarian regime that is wholly responsible for its problems, and those in other parts of the world through the spreading of an intolerant, hatred filled version of Islam??? I guess those who pay our bills try calling the shots as if they were our masters. Yet, we have paid and are still paying a horrendous price for interfering in the internal affairs of Afghanistan under Soviet occupation. I am proud of our parliament's decision to stay well away from repeating an experience that can only bring more sectarianism, economic chaos and heartbreak to Pakistan. Only fools trip on the same stone twice as the saying goes......

Dr .A.K.Tewari | 9 years ago | Reply There is no threat to the Soudi kingdom as long as it is resting in the lap of USA . Pakistan is there to protect them . But for peace in the area let the Houthi rule Yaman as Iran is also there as a powerful ally to them .

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