ANP supports Osama's elimination, opposes procedure of operation: Asfandyar

PESHAWAR: Central President of Awami National Party (ANP) Senator Asfghandyar Wali Saturday said that his party supports elimination of Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden, but has reservation over the procedure adopted for the operation.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Asfandyar said `ANP is always against all those steps which affects Pakistan's sovereignty either these are drone attacks, air space violation or immigration laws violation'.

He said the ANP leadership observed that resolution of parliament which was adopted during in camera session should be implemented.

He also demanded constitution of a commission to hold probe into the Abbotabad operation. It's a very big issue which cannot be put under carpet, he remarked.

Asfandyar demanded that 18th amendment should be implemented. He said some elements are creating hurdles in implementing 18th amendment and ANP will not tolerate this.

About the drone attacks, he said ANP has always opposed it. He said in fact the drone attacks are favoring terrorists because such strikes have much collateral damage which proves beneficial for Taliban.

In response to a question about Afghanistan situation, Asfandyar said all the neighbouring countries should sit together and try to find out a solution to Afghnistan imbroglio.

To a query about holding negotiation with Taliban, he said ANP was ready if Taliban agrees on three conditions which include accepting writ of the government, condemn violence and stop support to those using Pakistan's soil for carrying out terrorist activities.

About the American policy in post Osama scenario, the ANP leader said he did not see presence of Americans on Pakistan's soil. They might stay in Afghanistan, but would not enter Pakistan, he reiterated.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011