ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said under no circumstances, Pakistan could accept flagrant transgression of its territorial frontiers and this remains the baseline and there can be no compromise on sovereignty, dignity and national honour.
Addressing the concluding session of two-day envoys' conference of Pakistan's ambassadors and high commissions here at Foreign Office, the Prime Minister said the aerial attacks on Pakistan's Army border posts on November 26 constituted a huge setback to the prospects of much-needed cooperation between all important stakeholders.
Referring to some of the bold decisions taken by the democratic government following the NATO attacks, the Prime Minister said NATO/ISAF logistic supply lines have been closed and Shamsi Airbase has been vacated.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan did not participate in the Bonn Conference to protest the November 26 NATO attacks.
He said a broad-ranging review of cooperation with US/NATO/ISAF was ordered and the two-day envoy's conference was part of this exercise.
Gilani said the National Security Committee of the Parliament has been mandated to undertake a detailed study of the 26/11 attacks and to make recommendations on the terms of cooperation with US/NATO/ISAF.
These will be considered by the Joint Sitting of the Parliament, he added.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan was compelled to take these steps to safeguard its interests.
"As a responsible state, Pakistan will do whatever we can for stability and peace of our region but we will never allow anyone to undermine our legitimate interests," he said.
Referring to future relations of Pakistan with United States, he said the cooperation with US/NATO/ISAF was based on respect for Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He said, "We expect the US/NATO/ISAF inquiry that is being undertaken to come out clearly with the facts and provide answers to the disturbing questions that our own investigations have raised."
Gilani said at this particular point in time, it is imperative that all efforts should be directed to promoting durable stability and peace in Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister said all principal stakeholders must be on the same page.
He said, "We have continued to seek clarity and advocated the need for coherence, coordination and cooperation."
Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan's foreign policy is based on immutable principles.
He said, "The Charter of the United Nations, norms of inter-state conduct and international law provide the framework for our endeavours to ensure peace and security - both in our own region and the world."
The Prime Minister said Pakistan has been making sincere and consistent efforts to reach out to immediate and distant neighbours and, in fact, all members of the international community to develop the best of relations.
"Sovereign equality, mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation have been the hallmark of this approach," he added.
The Prime Minister said, "We believe that stability and peace at home and in our region is critical for enabling our people to realize their aspirations for progress and socio-economic development."
Referring to the measures taken by the present government to play more active role in the international community, the Prime Minister said Pakistan has always lived by the high principles of civility and humanity.
Quoting the example of Afghan refugees, the Prime Minister said hosting of millions of Afghan refugees for over three decades and enormous sacrifices in the war against terror amply illustrate Pakistan's commitment to the noble values that are intrinsic to belief and national ethos.
He said the national unity is the real strength of the government and the Parliament represents the will of the people and it is also the custodian of Pakistan's supreme interests.
The Prime Minister said, "We have made unremitting efforts to forge national consensus on all matters of importance to Pakistan."
He said no policy can succeed if it does not have the support of the people and the strength of democracy is reflected in the processes of the Parliament and its Committees.
Gilani said it has also been his government's endeavour to enable all state institutions to fulfil their responsibilities in their respective domains and to provide requisite inputs in policy formulation to the government.
The Prime Minister said there is no doubt that the region is passing through a difficult phase and satisfactory resolution of the issues relating to Afghanistan poses daunting challenges not only to the region but to the international community as a whole.
He also appreciated the continued efforts of the Foreign Office in ensuring that the diplomacy has the resilience and efficacy to overcome all challenges posed by a complex global and regional environment.
He said, "I have every confidence in the ability and professional expertise of our ambassadors and diplomats to safeguard Pakistan's interests in the international arena."
The Prime Minister said more than ever before, their skills are warranted in navigating through troubled times.
He assured them the full support from the government and the people of Pakistan in their endeavours to uphold national dignity and honour and in promoting Pakistan's national interests.
The Prime Minister said he is sure that the review and assessment undertaken by this conference as well as recommendations would be extremely helpful in determining the future course of action.
He assured conclusions and recommendations will receive close attention of the Government.
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