Issue of violation of sovereignty a matter of concern: Prime Minister
Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that keeping in view longstanding relations with the United States, Pakistan's sovereignty sshould not have been violated. Reacting to a military operation conducted deep inside Pakistan territory by a US team of Navy Seals, he said the issue of violation of sovereignty is a matter of concern for Pakistan.
He said it was particularly so in view of the co-operation with the United States of America in intelligence and defence. "There is no need to a shortcut or bypass Pakistan," Gilani told the team of reporters accompanying him on his three-day visit to France.
The Prime Minister who seemed confident and strong despite the very bumpy flight that had to turn back, had an informal chat with the media persons and said, "we are returning because of the technical problem." He said the US President has acknowledged Pakistan's contribution against war on terror and the on going intelligence sharing between the two countries. He said relations with the United States had seen many ups and downs in the past. He mentioned the incident of Raymond Davis and Osama's killing and said it would take some time for the relations to fully normalise between the two countries.
He said that during his visit he had an opportunity to present Pakistan's point of view and inform the French leadership about many things. "There were many misunderstandings and I hope these have been removed." Gilani said he told the French President and the Prime Minister about Pakistan's contribution in the war against terror and the arrest of 248 high value targets besides the sacrifices the country has rendered in this regard. Gilani mentioned that targets like Libbi, Khalid Shaikh Mohammad were arrested by Pakistani law enforcement agencies.
To a question Gilani said he was not returning home due to the situation back home in the backdrop of the killings of Osama bin Laden in Abbotabad. "My official engagements had ended tonight and I decided to return home," Gilani said and dismissed the suggestion that he had to cut short his visit. Asked about the difference of opinion from various government quarters regarding the US military operation, he said he would give a policy statement during the winding up debate in the Senate, otherwise the Minister of Information would do so.
The Prime Minister, when questioned about the recent alliance of PPP with the PML-Q, said the alliance with the PML-Q was not against PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and his party. "We will not destabilise the provincial government of Punjab and would let complete their term," Gilani said when asked about the latest alliance the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party government has created.