Pakistan seeking new parameters in relations with US: Gilani

Pakistan seeking new parameters in relations with US: Gilani

     LAHORE, March 18 (Akram Abid): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza
Gilani said on Sunday that Pakistan has not sought any apology
from the United States on the Salalah post incident but is
seeking new directions in relations with the Super Power on
key issues.
     Speaking to the mediamen at his Defence House residence
this evening, the Prime Minister said the Parliament will
debate ties with America on Monday with input from the key
stakeholders before the new rules of engagement and proposals
are thrashed out.
     The relations between the countries touched a new low
following the killing of 24 Pakistani soldiers through
wanton firing by the US troops on their border post in
the restive tribal region in November last year.
     "We want the full support of the Parliament on this issue
which will also deal with Pakistan's ties with NATO and ISAF
as these two organisations combine a total of 48 countries,"
he said.
     The Prime Minister asserted that the Parliament is the
now foreign policy forum which will debate and deliberate
on Pakistan's relations with the rest of the world.

   
      Gilani said Pakistan was a mature and responsible nuclear
power country which desire good and friendly ties with the
rest of the world.
      On the grant of most favoured nation status to India, the
Prime Minister said Pakistan has shown no discrimination and
there were a number of countries whom this country has
extended similar status.
      Speaking on the domestic issues and politics, he reiterated
that the case of giving immunity to President Zardari vis-a-vis
Swiss bank question,
rests with the Parliament.
      "Constitution of the country grants immunity to the office
of the President which is a part and parcel of the Parliament
therefore the supreme legislative body is the best forum to
deal with issues relating to the Presidential immunity."
      Asked whether he was comptemplating resigning from the office
in case he is held in contempt by the Supreme Court for his
failure to write a letter to the Swiss authorities, the Prime
Minister responded by saying the matter would not still go
away as the new person would have to deal with it as well.

      In response to another question, the Prime Minister said the
ISI is an important organisation which should not be controversial.
      He said they have to protect the institutions and take them
forward adding that he has yet to meet the new ISI chief.
      On Balochistan, the Prime Minister said the main issue facing
the mineral rich south western province was law and order. He
said he will hold discussion with the Balochistan leadership
on the progress of Aghaz-i-Haqooq-e-Balochistan and how far
the various resolutions passed by the province Assembly
have been implemented.
      The Prime Minister stressed on bringing law and order
situation under control and taking the political leadership on-board
before dealing with various major issues in a comprehensive manner
and correcting the current preception.
      Gilani noted that the 19th Amendment was passed by the
Parliament to facilitate appointment of judges of the
superior judiciary and in accordance with the views of the
Supreme Court.