Beijing: Calling for a quick end to the US-led war on Iraq, Pakistan on March 30
said it was against the doctrine of pre-emptive strike against other nations.
"Pakistan from day one has been very clear in its policy. Pakistan would not support
war against Iraq and we stick to that policy," Pakistan Prime Minister Mir
Zafarullah Khan Jamali said in an interview aired by state-run television channel,
China Central television (CCTV).
"Unfortunately, war has taken place. Now, of course, we say that the war should end
immediately. We have appealed to the UN, the Organisation of Islamic Conference, the
Arab League and to the whole world as a matter of fact," he said.
"The war should stop. If the pre-emption attack takes place, it would be a threat
all over the world. So our policy has been very clear as far as Pakistan is
concerned. We do not support war against Iraq," Jamali said adding, "I think that is
the common denominator that the war should end.
"Every country should be allowed to live peacefully. Live and let live, should be
the policy," he said adding countries should be left alone while deciding their way
of life.
Quizzed about his view on the US-led war on Iraq and its "genuine objective", Jamali
gave a diplomatic answer but said the war lacked the authority of UN.
Noting that he has not yet met with US President George W Bush, Jamali said
Washington has been following a policy chalked out by themselves.
"In my assessment, even China, Russia, France and Germany, all of these major
countries have not appreciated the action taken by the Americans. In any case
President Bush has gone ahead. Any action within the gambit of the UN would have had
certain credibility," he commented.
On whether the war on Iraq would divide nations, regions and threaten world
security, Jamali said "yes" and pointed out that after the World War I, the League
of Nations died its own death.
"We don't want the UN to die its own death. The role of the UN must be retained. It
is a necessity and necessary," Jamali said.
The Pakistani premier pointed out that in the 21st Century, every country has to
think and realise that the UN, which has been in existence for over 50 years, should
continue to have an eminent and important role in world affairs.
"The UN should be retained, should be effective and taken into consideration and
respected," he said.
Commenting on the worldwide protests against the war on Iraq, Jamali said the people
have clearly expressed their views against war.
"I think the verdict of the humanity is already there. There are people who are
protesting in Europe, in Australia, in America itself, in Asia. There are protests
all over. I think if the human mind, if the human feelings are respected, it is all
clear," he said.
Asked about Sino-Pakistani relations, Jamali described the ties as "excellent".
"If you ask me to put the whole situation into one word, the only word is excellent.
It has remained so and it will remain so," he said.
"The only improvement would be par-excellence. So we will try to work towards that,"
Jamali added.
PTI
