pak foreign office gloats on clinton-mullen visit

may 30th, 2011 CE

with good reason. they, and their chinese handlers, have won.

'greater pakistan' is in the making. 

interesting, whenever china goes to war with the US, it wins:

1. korea

2. vietnam

3. afghanistan

all with proxies. china never fights straight, only via proxies.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: B

PAK FO

BRIEFING ON 28 May 2011

 

Opening Remarks
US Secretary of State Clinton, accompanied by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, visited Islamabad yesterday (27 May 2011) and held in-depth exchange of views with the President, the Prime Minister, Interior Minister, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the Chief of Army Staff, Director General ISI and the Foreign Secretary.

As you know, Pakistan-US relations have witnessed a period of stress for the last few months. Secretary Clinton’s visit provided a welcome opportunity to have an in-depth exchange of views on all bilateral issues as well as matters relating to stability and security in the region, notably counter-terrorism and Afghanistan.

The conversation format of the talks provided an opportunity for deep-deep discussions, which were constructive, forward-looking and marked by candour. The purpose was to clear misgivings on both sides and to reach better understanding of each other’s perspectives.

Secretary Clinton’s important visit was part of our ongoing contacts with the US. It was neither a beginning of the process nor a culmination. Both sides realized that there was need for a course correction. This is necessitated due to a clear realisation that we are at a point of inflexion – indeed entering a new defining phase on issues of regional security, stability, particularly in working the diplomatic process for peace in Afghanistan and eliminating terrorism from this region.

This phase, which has brought to fore new challenges, also promises new hope and could open enormous opportunities for regional peace, stability and prosperity.

It has been Pakistan’s consistent endeavour to work together with Afghanistan, the United States and other members of the international community to realize the tremendous development potential that our region collectively possesses.

In the interest of objectivity, we must continue to bear in mind that any point of inflexion has inherent risks of misunderstanding and misperception, as operational policies at all planes undergo a process of recalibration. It is important to note that Pakistan and the United States are engaged in such an exercise, which I have described as “course correction”, with a view to having ”clarity” and strategic coherence. This is not the time to rush to make any value judgements on the status of relations.

From the conversations with Secretary Clinton and Admiral Mullen, which we have evaluated positively, it was evident that the United States wishes to work together with Pakistan. They expressed their readiness to address our concerns and to take fully on board the core national interests of Pakistan.

We acknowledge that President Obama, and in particular, Secretary Clinton fully understand the adverse impact on Pakistan of the developments in the region and, resulting from the long history of conflict in Afghanistan. We believe that they recognize the sacrifices made by Pakistan and are prepared to help our efforts to turn the page.

Our leadership, in a forthright manner, apprised Secretary Clinton about the hopes, aspirations and expectations of the people of Pakistan. These have been amply expressed in the Resolution of the Joint Sitting of the Parliament.

Secretary Clinton and Admiral Mullen categorically stated that the United States respects Pakistan’s sovereignty and expressed support for a strong, secure, stable, democratic and prosperous Pakistan.

Pakistan attaches importance to its relations with the United States. Both sides have agreed to intensify their bilateral engagements as well as to recommence the preparatory work for the Strategic Dialogue Process.

We also attach considerable importance to the ongoing trilateral engagement between Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States on matters relating to reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan.

Two meetings of the Core Group were held this month – one in Islamabad and the second in Kabul. The Core Group will meet again towards the end of June in Kabul.

The Core Group, on Pakistan’s initiative, has agreed to focus on working the development track and we are happy to note that all sides are committed to working towards forging a joint vision of stability, peace and prosperity in Afghanistan and the region as a whole.

In short Secretary of State Clinton's visit provided a welcome opportunity to press the reset button. The Significant outcome was the mutual desire to work together closely at all planes.

Finally I would like to inform you that in the context of the resumed dialogue process with India, talks between the defence secretaries of the two countries will be held in New Delhi on 30-31 May 2011 to discuss the issue of Siachen.

Questions – Answers Session

Q: During the visit of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Mike Mullen, did the US side extend any assurances to Pakistan such as about the exchange of intelligence and the undertaking of joint operations in the case of high value targets? Secondly, was the issue of drone strikes taken up by our side with the US delegation?

A: Exchange of information was discussed in detail. During Senator John Kerry’s visit as well it was discussed that there will be joint operations and that there will be greater transparency and information sharing between the two countries.

The question of drone attacks was also extensively discussed at the meeting yesterday. Our leadership categorically conveyed that this was unacceptable and the sense of the Resolution of the Joint Session of the Parliament was also conveyed. This is an issue where there are differences. But both sides have decided to continue to discuss this matter further.

Q: With reference to the Secretary of State's visit to Pakistan, what new steps were envisaged for normalization of relations between the two countries?

A: The one thing that clearly came out in the discussions as well as in the press briefing by Secretary of State Clinton was the importance of the concepts of partnership and equality. Secretary Clinton repeatedly said in her press conference that there was great appreciation for what Pakistan has done in fighting terrorism. That there was respect for what Pakistan is doing. There was the need for both countries to deepen mutual understanding through and intensified engagement on all issues in a positive and constructive manner.

Q: After yesterday's visit, we are hearing that Pakistan has agreed to take several steps in the fight against terror. On the other hand, the government has been saying recently that the entire relationship will be revisited. Why is it that we find a dichotomy between your statements for domestic consumption and what you tell your foreign interlocutors and the international community?

A: I don’t think there is any dichotomy in what we say for public consumption and what is said for the international community. The concerns of the people of Pakistan have been stated very clearly by our leadership, by the Prime Minister, in the meeting of the Joint Session of the Parliament as well as in meetings of the DCC. All these are in the public domain for the public consumption in Pakistan and abroad. And that’s why we say that there were very frank discussions that took place in which both sides clearly indicated their concerns and differences as well. And if you look at the text of the transcript of the Secretary of State Clinton’s press briefing she said “we underline the fact that everyone spoke honestly and clearly and with candour with each other which was very important. Any relationship that is of the importance that is between the United States and Pakistan requires clear understanding on issues. The most important thing is that misconceptions and misunderstandings are removed”

And this visit by Hillary Clinton provided an opportunity for clearing some of those misconceptions and misunderstandings. There was clear appreciation by the US side, by the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and by Admiral Mullen, as they stressed in the press briefing, what Pakistan was doing and how important Pakistan was. Secretary Clinton said that “we look towards a strong Pakistan: one that is democratic; one that is prosperous Pakistan and stable, being a cornerstone for regional stability and for global security.”

So there is understanding on the side of the United States of the fact that both countries have to work together to combat the common challenges; and those common challenges are countering terrorism, ensuring peace and stability in the region and in Afghanistan. These are the common areas of great similarity. Secretary of State Clinton also said that the US will continue to support Pakistan’s sovereignty, its civilian elected government and above all its people.

Q: Hillary Clinton during her press briefing stated that although the top leadership of Pakistan did not know about Osama's presence in Pakistan, someone, somewhere at some level did. Was this issue raised by the Americans and what was Pakistani government's response to it? Secondly, US media has been reporting that a list of 5 most wanted terrorists has been handed over to the Pakistani side. Is that correct?

A: On your first question I would again like to recall that Secretary Clinton said that the US has absolutely no reason to believe that anyone at the highest levels of Government knew about Osama and that there was an investigation being carried out to find out the facts. Obviously, everyone in Pakistan is also interested to know the answer to that question. The answer we will be through the investigation that is being carried out. Obviously, there must have been a local support group, presumably consisting of Al-Qaeda and its affiliates for Bin Laden. This is common sense. The ongoing investigations hopefully will bare the truth.

On your second question, these are operational details that I will not go into at this point nor would I venture into the media speculation on it. What we need to focus on the larger picture and to ensure that the Pakistan-US relationship remains on track especially in the context of fighting terrorism and on matters of regional stability. .

Q: First of all as you have mentioned that, we are moving forward in our engagement with India which is an important step, there were reports that our Interior Ministry has rejected the list of 50 allegedly wanted criminals handed over by the Indians, and has subsequently forwarded it to your office for onwards transmission. Your comments please.

Secondly, Can you please elaborate as to what are those specific steps which the Secretary of state Hillary Clinton mentioned in her press briefing yesterday?

A: On your first question, there has been a great deal of discussion within the media on that list. This question was raised in the last briefing as well and what I basically said was that, it is an Indian list; it is up to the Indians to decide who to put on it. Obviously anything that is given to us, we will look at it seriously. In the context of looking at any such issue seriously, we have referred to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs the request seeking clarification about the exact status of the list.

On the second question, about specific steps, as I have already said, specifics relate to our common objectives of continuing to fight terrorism, sharing of intelligence information in this context, ensuring that peace and stability returns to Afghanistan and facilitating the Afghan process of peace and reconciliation.

Q: US statements suggest that Pakistan has asked the Americans to cut down their troop numbers in Pakistan. What are the numbers of troops that will be withdrawn as a result of this request? Are these troops from the US Special Forces, CIA or are they Private contractors? Secondly, Hillary Clinton in her press briefing mentioned that access was given to the US authorities to Osama's compound. Are these reports correct?

A: As far as your first question about any number of troops being cut down, Admiral Mullen and State Department’s Deputy Spokesperson have both referred to it as well. As far as we are concerned, it is an operational detail in which numbers increase or decrease according to operational and training requirements.

Q: I would like to have your comments on the remarks made by the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton saying that "Pakistan has some very legitimate interests in Afghanistan".

A: Absolutely. Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United Sates have decided within the trilateral process that these three countries form the Core Group working for reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan. The principle forwarded by the Core Group has also been recognized globally, i.e., that any process of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan should be an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process. And that we stand by Afghanistan to facilitate as far as possible within this process of peace and reconciliation. And as you have pointed out rightly, there is recognition within the US leadership that Pakistan has a very important, facilitating role to play in any process of reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan. We stand by the Government of Afghanistan and people of Afghanistan to continue the process that they have started.

Q: Was the issue of respect for Pakistan's sovereignty raised by the leadership in their parleys with the Americans yesterday? Secondly, the Secretary of State mentioned the existence of terrorist safe havens in Pakistan that are creating trouble in Afghanistan. Do we agree with this?

A: On the question of sovereignty, this was not only raised by the President and the Prime Minister but has been repeatedly referred to within the context of the concerns of Pakistani nation and in the light of the Resolution that was adopted by the Joint Sitting of the Parliament. The US is aware of the contents of this resolution. You can see a response to our concerns to some extent in the comments that were made by Admiral Mullen in the press briefing at the US Embassy yesterday.

On your second question, as far as Pakistan is concerned, Pakistan has been suffering from terrorist activities and the terrorist blowback. There was recognition by Secretary of State Clinton that no other country or people have suffered more from terrorism that Pakistan and Pakistanis. And the fact that we continue to fight terrorism and suffer from the blowback of this fight on a daily basis is indicative of our commitment to eliminate terrorism and extremism. We fight Al-Qaeda that has declared war on Pakistan, as well as those individuals and groups that are fighting against the State and the People of Pakistan.

Q: Indian Home Minister P. Chidambarum has said that Pakistan has become a fragile state. What is your response to this?

A: As I have said repeatedly in these press briefings, we do not intend to send messages through the media. Pakistan is a strong state and Pakistanis a very resilient nation- a nation that is committed to building a bright future. Secretary Clinton in her Press remarks mentioned the resilience of the State and people of Pakistan.

Q: Madam I would like to ask a few questions, first there are reports that drones have been flying over in Abbottabad, what is your response to this? Secondly, today there was a statement from Saudi Arabia saying that Afghan Taliban are in control of Pakistan and the world should assist Pakistan. Your comments please.

A: On your first comment, I think the best thing is to refer this comment to ISPR, as ISPR would have operational details. On your second comment, I can only say something when I see those comments myself because I do not like to comment on things which may have been taken out of context. Someone may be reporting these comments out of context.

Q: Yesterday Secretary Clinton and Admiral Mullen, reportedly pledged American support to Pakistan in counterterrorism. Also after the DCC meeting Prime Minister Gilani mentioned that Pakistan will shift its counter terrorism policy. Does this signal that Pakistan will now be more pro active in its counter terrorism policy? Secondly if Pakistan does go for a proactive policy how well is it prepared to face the back lash from these groups?

A:Pakistan has over the past couple of years implemented a very proactive anti-terrorism policy and has been actively targeting those terrorists that are trying to strike at Pakistan’s interest. We shall continue this fight against terrorism. The Prime Minister stated this at the close of the DCC meeting and as well as following the adoption of the Resolution of the joint sitting of the Parliament. Pakistan is committed to eliminating terrorism. Implementation of this commitment is critical for Pakistan to remain on the track of development, peace and prosperity of its people and the people of the region.

Q:Madam can you give us some more details on the Core group for reconciliation? Is this a trilateral initiative? Who are its members? What are its terms of reference?

A:It was on the initiative of the United States, Pakistan and Afghanistan that the trilateral process has been established. The Senior Official of the three countries have met twice, once in Islamabad and once recently in Kabul. Pakistan’s side was led by the Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir. Deputy Foreign Minister Javid Lodin led the Afghan delegation and Ambassador Mark Grossman has been leading the US delegation. The objective of the trilateral group is to discuss, consult and cooperate on issues of reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan; and to facilitate the Afghan-led process in this regard. At the last trilateral meeting the discussion focused on the development track. This core group is of the view that for sustainability of peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, it is essential to work the development track. The next meeting of the Trilateral Group would be held again in Kabul towards the end of June.

Q: Secretary Clinton was initially due to visit Pakistan in April this year for the 4th round of Strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the US, but this didn’t materialize due to some constraints. Can you please tell us about the current status of the strategic dialogue? Are there any dates decided for that?

Secondly, we keep on hearing from our side that the relations between Pakistan and US are based on mutual respect and mutual interest. How do we define the word mutual respect?

A:On your first question, the Strategic Dialogue was to be held this month but as I already pointed out in my opening remarks, it was agreed with Secretary of State Clinton that preparatory work for the Strategic Dialogue would be geared up. And once that preparatory work is completed, the dates with regard to the holding of the dialogue will be decided.

On your second question, I would only like to repeat what I have said earlier that within the discussions that were held yesterday and as well as in the context of the press briefing by Secretary of State Clinton and Admiral Mullen, two important principles were squarely underscored. These were of partnership and equality between the two countries.

Q: Madam my first question is regarding Admiral Mullen's yesterday's comment that, this war is not America's war, this is Pakistan's war, this is Afghanistan's war and this is a regional war in which we all have stakes. Your comments please. Secondly, IAEA has reportedly sought details regarding the security of Pakistan's nuclear installations whether these are research facilities or power plants or enrichment plants. Will you please tell us what sort details have they sought?

A: With regard to your first question I will read the entire paragraph of what he said for clarity: “It isn't America's war. This is Pakistan's war and it is Afghanistan's war. It's a regional war against a common enemy, a war in which all of us have a stake and in which all of us have certain risks.” I don't think that I need to explain this further. Admiral Mullen referred to a common enemy, each of us having a stake and each of us having certain risks.

On your second question, I have to confirm the veracity of what you are referring to. But let me state that as far as the security of Pakistan's strategic assets, the Prime Minister in his statement after the last DCC meeting has clearly elaborated on it and I don’t need to say anything further. This is just to underscore that the safety and security of our strategic assets are of international standards, and that there should be no doubt about it. The speculation about safety of strategic assets is in fact not only motivated but also mischievous.

Q: While we respect your comments that any judgment should not be passed on the status of relationship between Pakistan and the US, I wish to know how far misgivings have been removed between Pakistan and the US as a result of this visit. Secondly, there have been speculations in the international media that Secretary Clinton and Admiral Mullen came here with a Carrot and Stick. Did you notice any such thing? Third is there any high level visit planned in the near future between Pakistan and China?

A: With regard to the first point, whether misconceptions have been cleared, as I said earlier there was an open and constructive dialogue. Candid discussions were held. All issues of interest to both countries were discussed. Such open discussions about moving forward together help to clear misconceptions. On your second question, I think we should not read too much into the media. I saw a headline today saying, Hillary Clinton received with chill in Islamabad. The fact is that she herself said that she was received with great warmth. The fact is that we had good discussions. Both sides came out of these conversations with a better understanding of each others point of view. Both expressed their desire to move forward