Pakistani President Reiterates Unwavering Support To Palestinian Brothers

Islamabad, Feb 18, IRNA -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari Sunday reiterated that Pakistan would continue to render its unwavering support to the Palestinian people till the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. The Pakistani president made the remarks in a statement read by him at the luncheon of the President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad. While reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support to Palestinian cause, President Zardari said that Pakistan would continue to voice its support for Palestinian cause at every forum as Pakistan did at the 67th UNGA session, and conveyed Pakistan’s fullest support for the admission of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations. While expressing his joy over achieving of non-member observer state status by Palestine at the UN, President Zardari noted with pride that Pakistan played a pivotal role in the process that led to the recognition of the legitimate Palestinian rights and hoped that it would prove to be a major stepping stone to Palestine’s full membership of the UN. Expressing his dismay at the negative reaction of Israel to the recognition of Palestine as a State, he voiced his concern over mocking of the UN by Israel which he said violated international law with impunity and champions of justice and human rights did nothing but watch. Zardari said that Pakistan strongly condemns the building of illegal settlements in the occupied territories and called upon the international community to stop Israel from building new settlements to the east and south of Occupied East Jerusalem, and added that these settlements, if allowed to be built, would dealt a death blow to the two-nation state solution. The Pakistani president termed the complete disregard by Israel for international law as a slap on the face of the international community. Zardari said that the continued denial of inalienable right of self-determination to the people of Indian-administered Kashmir and Palestine carried the risk of instability of the Middle East and South Asian regions and stressed the need for achievement of a global consensus on the goals and means to resolve the two conflicts, which he continued, would reflect the wisdom and maturity of the international community. He further added that unfortunately these goals remain elusive with no engagement and practical steps taken towards their realization. President Zardari said that Pakistan and Palestine have close, strong and historical relationships which were based on the aspirations and heartfelt sentiments of the people of the two countries, and added that Pakistan share the pain and anxiety of its Palestinian brethren. While eulogizing creation of Pakistan as result of struggles of the Muslims, he expressed his confidence that Palestine dream of separate homeland will also come true one day. He assured his Palestinian counterpart that 180 million Pakistanis stand shoulder to shoulder with their Palestinian brothers in their courageous fight against illegal occupation of their homeland and reassured him that Pakistan would continue to stand with the Palestinian people till the time they would achieve their right to self-determination. While appreciated the leadership role played by his Palestinian counterpart in his struggle for freedom for the last 60 years, the Pakistani president said that Pakistan greatly admired and deeply respected his dedication to the cause of Palestinian people and expressed his confidence that under his leadership, people of Palestine would bravely confront the challenges facing by them today. Terming the visit of the Palestinian delegation to Pakistan as meaningful, Zardari said that PLO was first recognized as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people at the Islamic Summit held in Lahore in February 1974 which also lead to the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Palestine. President concluded his statement by a quote from Quaid-e-Azam, wherein the Quaid had said quote “But no nation, no people who are worth living as a nation, can achieve anything great without making great sacrifices, such as the Arabs of Palestine are making.” The President also prayed for Allah’s blessings on the people of Palestine and for their just struggle for freedom, peace and prosperity and warmly welcomed President Abbas and distinguished members of his delegation during their visit to Pakistan. In his statement, President Abbas extended his deepest respect and appreciation of the Palestinian people for the principled position of Pakistan and its sincere commitment towards the Palestinian people over the years and towards its just cause in the international bodies and at all levels. While acknowledging the support of Pakistan to the Palestine in international fora, particularly during the voting in the General Assembly to upgrade the status of the State of Palestine into an observer state status he reiterated that Palestine will continue to work hard to achieve their right to freedom and independence by ending the accumulated suffering of Palestine refugees through 65 years of homelessness. The Palestine President also thanked the President and the Government of Pakistan for agreeing to build the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Islamabad. This gesture, he said underlined strength of their mutual relationships. Earlier, on his arrival at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Abbas was received by the President Zardari. The smartly turned out contingents of armed forces presented a salute to the distinguished guest. He also inspected the guard of honour. Later, the President Asif Ali Zardari and President Mahmoud Abbas unveiled the plaque of the foundation of the Embassy of the state of Palestine./end