President vows unreserved support for Palestinian state

 

 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday assured Palestinian people its unequivocal and unreserved support to their just cause for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State of their own with Al-Quds as its capital. "Pakistan believes that peace will remain elusive in the Middle East unless the Palestinian problem is resolved" President Asif Ali Zardari told his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas, who is on a day-long visit to Islamabad. The President said Pakistan favors an early settlement of the Palestinian - Israeli conflict on the basis of two-state solution. "Pakistan supports all efforts aimed at resolving the Palestinian dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and acceptable to the Palestinian people," a statement issued by the President House said. The president while condemning the brutal Israeli invasion of Gaza and its continued blockade said that Pakistan strongly oppose the construction of Jewish settlements in the Palestinian lands. He said Pakistan was also opposed to all measures which could change the situation on ground including settlements, separation wall, excavations beneath the Al- Aqsa mosque and evictions of Palestinians from their homes, till a resettlement is reached. President Zardari expressed concerns over the current stalemate and deadlock in the peace process which has implications for peace in the region and beyond. The two leaders exchanged views on prevalent situation in Middle East, regional and international issues, bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest. The Palestinian President was accompanied by Dr. Riad N.A. Malki, Foreign Minister, Azzam N.M.Alahmad, Head of majority - Palestinian legislative Council, Mohammad A.M. Mustafa, President of Palestine investment fund and Palestinian ambassador in Pakistan Hazem Abushanab.