Pakistan PM dismisses Afghan accusation of using terror as foreign policy

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-30-2007 08:42

Pakistan's Prime Minister has strongly dismissed an accusation from Afghanistan that Pakistan is using terrorism as a tool of foreign policy. Speaking in Brussels after meeting with his Belgian counterpart Shaukat Aziz called the idea ridiculous and not worthy of a response.

During a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels last week, Afghan Foreign Minister Rangeen Dadfar Spanta said his country needed more money to fight terrorism. And also to improve government functions and create better lives for the people. He also accused Pakistan of not doing enough to contain the Taliban. This, even though Pakistan is officially an ally in the US-led war on terrorism.

In response, Pakistan's Prime Minister called the Afghan Foreign Minister's claim ridiculous. Shaukat Aziz went on to say that the best way forward was for both countries to work together. And to fight against any infiltration of militants across their border. Aziz also noted that a large number of Afghans have been living in, and around Quetta in Pakistan's Baluchistan region, for a long time. He said they were either living in the city, or in camps. And he said Pakistan wants them to eventually return to their own country.

Shaukat Aziz, Pakistani PM, said, "I think the issue of infiltration and the movement of people across the border who will try to recruit other Afghans who live in Pakistan."

Aziz is in Brussels to meet the 26 countries of NATO that have 32,000 troops in Afghanistan. Aziz said Islamabad wanted to work with the alliance to help bring stability to the Afghan people.

Editor:Du Xiaodan