Pakistan warns US and looks for cooperation with India

Pakistan warns US and looks for cooperation with India
Amtaz Khan, Karachi, Special Correspondent, Indiadaily

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khursheed Mahmood Kasuri (L) meets with Indian Foreign Secretary Shashank (C) and Indian Ambassador to Pakistan Shivshankar Menon (R) at Foreign Ministry in Islamabad

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khursheed Mahmood Kasuri told CNN in an interview that US must be careful not to indulge in disrespecting sovereign status and territorial integrity of Pakistan. He accused local US commanders of violating Pakistan border areas and encroaching into tribal areas in search of Bin Laden and his associates. “If they trust us, they should pick up the hot line and ask the Pakistani commander on the other side for help” said Kasuri. “Otherwise, if these things continue, the US will regret the consequence” he added.

Pakistan is relieved with the outcome of Indian election. The Government of Pakistan is looking for utmost cooperation with India and Manmohan Sing’s Government. In the mean time Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf wants India to show the "maximum possible flexibility" to resolve the Kashmir problem, holding this was the "core issue" between the two countries.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf

Official sources here said Musharraf, during a briefing on foreign policy issues at the foreign ministry on Saturday, also said that resolution of the Kashmir problem was the "most vital pre-requisite for durable peace in South Asia".

Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali accompanied Musharraf at the briefing.

Both reiterated that Pakistan would continue its efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, the sources said.

They welcomed the statement by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that the Congress-led coalition would continue the peace process with Pakistan.

They attached importance to the expected commencement of a composite dialogue process between the two countries on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, as agreed by the two foreign secretaries here February 18.

The two leaders reaffirmed their firm commitment to the peace process and said that they will take every possible step to resolve Kashmir and other bilateral issues, the sources said.