Pakistan has once again said the country was neither sending arms nor fighters to conflict-hit Syria, where regime forces are making gains.
Islamabad, March 18/Nationalturk -Rejecting reports that Saudi Arabia has attached any condition for its gift of 1.5 billion dollars to the country, Pakistan has reiterated that the country was neither sending arms nor fighters to conflict-hit Syria, where regime forces are making gains.
Adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz told lawmakers during a sitting of Senate Foreign Affairs Committee that the aid from Saudi Arabia was unconditional.
“The gift has not prompted country’s shift in the foreign policy towards Syria. Saudi Arabia gave aid to Pakistan without any conditions. Neither Pakistan took U-turn on the issue of Syria nor it was sending troops or arms there,” he said.
He said Pakistan’s stance was clear as it would not get involved in Syria conflict and support Geneva-I and Geneva-II pacts.
‘Pakistan supports dialogue in Syria’
Aziz said Pakistan supports dialogue in Syria, which is the only way to resolve the fratricidal civil strife there. “Pakistan calls for immediate withdrawal of all foreign armed forces and groups from Syria. Pakistan favours rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for UN humanitarian agencies, lifting of siege of Syria towns and villages as well as establishment of a transitional governing body with full executive powers.”
‘Saudi granted 1.5 billion dollars aid to Pakistan’
Pakistani leaders have said Saudi Arabia’s $1.5 billion aid to Pakistan was not a loan but a gift
Aziz said Pakistan had to maintain balance regarding relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran. “Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would soon be visiting Iran,”he said.
He admitted that Saudi Arabia has purchased weapons from the country. “Saudi Arabia would not use these weapons against any other State.”
The regime forces in Syria are making rapid gains against the rebels.
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Asia News/ NationalTurk Pakistan News
